Alabama Week

I had my first bama dream of the week last night.  I woke up anxious with the familiar feeling of sickness and excitement, as I always do before the Third Saturday in October.  The dreams will only get more vivid over the next couple of nights.  Horrible visions of David Palmer, Gene Stallings, 9-6, 6-3, and Terrence Cody.  But also shining memories of Peyton to Joey in '95, Clausen to Fayton in '03, and basically everything that happened between 1995 and 2006.  (Including the vacated win from 2005, which was no doubt, my worst moment at a live sporting event, ever.)

I've been reading a lot of articles about the rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama over the last few days, and the national media does give it a fair amount of press despite the fact the game doesn't promise to be a great one.  They discuss the rivalry, citing the historical implications, especially the players and coaches who have participated in the battle over the years.  And they all say that it is a bigger rivalry in the eyes of Vol fans, because, as everyone knows, Auburn is the Tide's ultimate nemesis.  

I, however disagree.  Throughout multiple conversations with Alabama fans, Tennessee Fans, and Auburn fans, I have realized that Tennessee/Alabama is a more blood boiling rivalry than anywhere in the country( Fuck you Big 10 losers.)

As far as In-State rivals, there is no more intense hatred that exists between foes as Auburn and Alabama.  Cousins, brothers, nieces, uncles, husbands, wives,  families are divided between the Tide and the Tigers all across the state of Alabama.  These differences are often set aside for the sake of family unity around holidays, church picnics and bar-mitzvahs.  For 364 days a year the state can get along.  Husbands and wives make babies, business is conducted, riots do not break out in the streets of Birmingham(at least not anymore.  Both schools have embraced segregation, especially on the football field.)  Until the Iron Bowl, the fans are relatively civil.  Not so with the relationship between the Vols and Tide.

If you look at history, it isn't hard to see the roots of hatred and distrust between these two border states.  Alabama was the fourth state to secede from the Union.  Tennessee was the last.  Knoxville was particulary pro-Union due its mountainous terrain that made slavery unnecessary.

It was Bear Bryant who told Huntsville native, Condredge Holloway, that he would never start a black quarterback at Alabama.  After his mother forbade him from taking offers from Major League baseball, Condredge came to Tennessee as the first black quarterback in the SEC. "The Artful Dodger" led the Vols to two SEC titles.

These are simply a couple of examples of how the states of Alabama and Tennessee have clashed.  Nevermind the ongoing ribbing that goes back and forth, over the border, between the rival factions.  Granted, they can't read/don't get most of our jokes about them, but isn't that what what makes this so fun.  HAHA.  Alabama is dumb.

You see, Tennessee fans and Alabama fans do not have to remain civil to one another throughout the year.  Our cooperation does not determine the welfare of an entire state, as it does with Bama/'Burn.  We are not family members that see each other every Sunday.  We do not go drinking together because we were friends in high school.  I didn't have any friends from high school that went to Bama.  If I did, then that's why we're not friends anymore.  I have a cousin that went to Bama.  He is a great, cool ass guy.  But we don't fucking talk.  We're not fucking buddies.  Because he went to Bama and I went to Tennessee.  I love him, but this week, he can go fuck himself.  And when we talk at Christmas, it will be about the Tennessee/Alabama game.  That is what makes this game so great.  There are people that I consider friends and family, that I only talk to once a year, and we talk about the Game.

After Arian Foster went over the top to conquer the Tide 16-13 in 2006, I was talking to a bammer at the BDT.  "Seriously, man.  What is the bigger rivalry for you guys, us or Auburn?" I asked him.
"Well, I'll tell you what.  We have to deal with Auburn all year long, constant shit talking.  But I can say this.  It really sucks getting beat by Auburn, but we all fucking hate losing to Tennessee."

                           

 So, this Saturday, the third in October, Alabama will come into Neyland Stadium, defending National Champions, with one loss, ready to extend their recent dominance over the Beloved.  However, as kickoff approaches, a large, orange moon will rise above the Appalachians as the Vols take the field.  The rest of the season is inconsequential now.  It's the Bama game.  Go Big Orange!