This weekend marks the third Saturday in October, and for Tennessee football that can only mean one thing.

The Vols and the Alabama Crimson Tide will collide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday in one of the South's most intense rivalries.

While Tennessee's offense has played consistently so far this season, it could be in for a stiff challenge against Bama's defense.

Alabama's defense is ranked fourth in the Southeastern Conference and has recorded a total of nine sacks in its last two games.           

"Defensively, they are a very multiple football team," said Vols' head coach Phil Fulmer. "Getting nine sacks in the last two weeks certainly got our attention." "As you look at them, they are a really good Alabama defensive football team."Phil Fulmer

A pair of solid quarterbacks, Erik Ainge of the Vols and Alabama's John Parker Wilson, will direct the two offenses Saturday.

Ainge is leading the SEC averaging 259 yards passing per contest. He has 12 touchdown passes and only three interceptions through UT's six games.

The Vols defense will look to slow Wilson as the junior continues to mature at the quarterback position every week for the Crimson Tide.

"Offensively, a lot centers on the quarterback. I think John Parker Wilson has continued to grow up and done a great job," Fulmer said.

"He is a really fine football player with a strong arm. He sees the field well and is a capable scrambler. He is a guy we will have to deal with, the best quarterback we have played in several weeks."

Wilson has passed for over 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns through seven games. The junior has also scored four more touchdowns on the ground

With both teams having two losses, this game could be a turning point for each. 

The winner of the game will remain in control of its own destiny in the SEC race, while the loser will need some help from other teams to reach the conference championship game December 1.

"This game is always special to anybody that has ever played in it, to the Tennessee people and the Alabama people. To me, it is one of the greatest rivalries in college football," said Fulmer.

"We're looking for a good week of preparation and a great football game on Saturday."

Kick off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on Lincoln Financial Sports.