... years ago proved to be an interesting experience to say the least.

The game itself was an instant classic, going into five overtimes before Tennessee finally prevailed 51-43. It was en exhaustive, enthralling evening for Tennessee fans. That victory was one of relief, which is in stark contrast to the sequence of events that unfolded yesterday in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

For the better part of the 21st century, it was Tennessee, not Alabama, who was expected to win the great rivalry known as the Third Saturday in October. That all changed when Nick Saban was hired, and Phil Fulmer was fired.

It is no secret Fulmer’s last years were uncharacteristic, notably the decline in stellar recruiting, which allowed other SEC teams to j...

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