Tide Tidbits - October 25, 2008

10 factors that could affect UA-UT battle
After Alabama's 41-17 beat- down of Tennessee last year and the struggles the Volunteers have had this season, there are plenty of reasons why you might expect the Crimson Tide to roll over the Vols at Neyland Stadium tonight. On the other hand, there are legitimate reasons why the game could be a typically hard-fought battle, not counting external factors like the weather (which could be in the low 40s by the end of the game). Here are 10 factors that could influence the outcome:

Tide expects Tennessee's best
It's a been a long time since Tennessee has finished at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference standings. And while the Volunteers (3-4) may not end up there, a 1-3 conference start has created desperate times for a team that returns eight starters on defense and six on offense from last year's SEC East Division champions. "A lot of people are saying Tennessee has their backs to the wall," Alabama guard Mike Johnson said. "But we can't concern ourselves with what Tennessee is doing. We've got to come out and do the same things that have won us seven ballgames this year."

Vols want 'payback' against Crimson Tide
A win against No. 2 Alabama would make quite a statement for Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, but so would a loss. Fulmer, the dean of Southeastern Conference coaches, is fighting to prove he can right the Vols after a rocky start. Tennessee (3-4, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) hasn't beaten a ranked opponent or been over .500 this season, putting Fulmer as close to the hot seat as he's ever had. Still, Fulmer says it's nothing quite like playing the Volunteers' archrival. "This game has always been special to both teams, Alabama and Tennessee," Fulmer said. "I've been fortunate to be a part of a lot of them, and I just love this week."

Roll Tide!