The Third Saturday in October has finally arrived.

No. 14 Tennessee football (5-1, 2-1 SEC) is playing host to No. 6 Alabama (5-1, 3-1) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ABC) in another installment of the historic rivalry. It's been billed the Third Saturday in October since 1939, and Saturday will mark the 109th meeting between the programs.

The Vols have won the last two matchups in Knoxville, and head coach Josh Heupel is 2-3 against Alabama as head coach.

“They are much more efficient, effective running the football," Heupel said of Alabama. "The quarterback is a dynamic player. He’s throwing extremely efficiently, a bunch of yards, but extends and makes plays with his feet, scramble to run, but also throws the football down the field if you’re not matching things up.

"So, us defensively, massive test. And then defensively, big, strong, physical, up front. Second level, very active. They’ve made it difficult to run the football, not giving up a ton of explosives. They’ve gotten their hands on a bunch of balls, created turnovers as well.”

Quarterback George MacIntyre is in line for his second career start. MacIntyre threw for 247 yards on 18-of-29 passing, one touchdown and two interceptions in his first career start last week at Arkansas. The Crimson Tide will be a much tougher test for MacIntyre.

Faizon Brandon took some practice reps this week. After sustaining a shoulder injury in the loss to Texas, Brandon tried to go against Auburn but was clearly not himself. MacIntyre relieved him late in the first half and pulled out the win. He struggled with two interceptions and a fumble against Arkansas, but was able to get the victory.

The health of Brandon's shoulder will be influencial in his availability Saturday.

Alabama comes into the game with some key pieces likely to be missing because of injuries. The big-play capability of receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams will be missing after he suffered knee and head injuries in last week's loss to Georgia. Also, questionable for the game is center Racin Delgatty, which would be a significant absence.

Alabama sits at around a touchdown favorite heading into the showdown on Saturday.

  • Tennessee football comes out with a rivalry win if it's able to run the ball against the Crimson Tide. The passing game has been hit or miss for the Vols, but a consistent run game should be enough to leave with a win.
  • Alabama wins this game if it controls field position. The Crimson Tide are banged up and enter with questions marks after a loss to Georgia, but controlling the field position against a questionable UT offense would be a road to victory.

Source: Yahoo Sports