​Tennessee football and Alabama clash in their annual Third Saturday in October meeting in a sellout Neyland Stadium revved up for the rivalry game.The home team has won five straight in the series, and UT hopes to continue to trend. The Vols beat the Crimson Tide with Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt in 2022. They won it with defense and a ground game in 2024. And now the rivalry returns to Knoxville.The 14th-ranked Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) play No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 3-1) on Oct. 17 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).Tennessee has a dominant defense, paced by defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, that leads the nation in sacks. Alabama has the No. 3 scoring offense (44.2 ppg) in the nation with dual-threat quarterback Keelon Russell.The Vols need a well-rounded offensive performance. DeSean Bishop is among the SEC’s top rushers, and sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre is coming off his first start in a 24-17 win over Arkansas.Watch Tennessee vs. Alabama free with FuboTennessee vs. Alabama highlights, analysisThis article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football vs Alabama, score, updates, Third Saturday in October, TV channelOur editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.