... night, as Tennessee dropped a 12-10 decision to Alabama.

The loss, an instant classic in one of the SEC's oldest rivalries, was eerily reminiscent of the 1990 Third Saturday showdown in Knoxville, when the Crimson Tide blocked a field goal attempt that would have won it for the Vols. It left Tennessee fans throughout the Volunteer State proclaiming, "We're this close!" (Said while holding thumb and forefinger an inch apart for illustration).

The Vols might be closer than they think.

In fact, the Vols might have closed the door on the 2009 loss column when they walked out of Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday night.

As the Lane Kiffin era debuted in Knoxville last month, the optimistic sector of the Vol Nation predicted an 8-...

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