As the Vols and Crimson Tide prepare to renew their rivalry this weekend, a few trends are worth noting. For nearly two decades, this matchup defined the balance of power in the SEC, and under Nick Saban, that balance was rarely in doubt. In their 17 meetings from 2007 to 2023, Alabama dominated the series with unmatched consistency (lost only once in 2022). But what helped fuel such dominance? To answer that question, former Alabama LB Rashaan Evans recently shared some insights about those Saban years.

Speaking this week on The Miller’s Edge, Evans reflected on an iconic locker room photo of Alabama’s front seven celebrating with cigars after one of their many wins over Tennessee. Although, as per NCAA regulations and the no-tobacco policy, cigars in not allowed in the locker room. But Evans explained how that was so much more than just a post-game celebration. “Saban allowed us to be ourselves.” That trust, Evans suggested, built a connection between the players and their coach that helped them to achieve 15 straight wins over Tennessee from 2007 to 2021. Although they suffered a 52-49 defeat in 2022, they bounced back with a 34-20 victory the following season.

Despite Saban allowing players to be themselves, there was never any lack of preparation. Evans summed it up perfectly, saying, “We were like throwback players, man. The way we went after the game, the way we prepared, man.” And then came the key part that truly motivated them to keep beating the Vols year after year. “The biggest thing about playing Tennessee was after the win and being able to have fun with the guys, “ said Evans. It seems like an indirect message from the Alabama legend to DeBoer on how to beat Tennessee on October 18, keeping in mind that they fell to the Vols in a 24-17 loss last season.

DeBoer might want to take a page from Evans’ playbook. After all, the former LB knows what winning at Alabama feels like. The star LB became a tone-setter on defense. Due to his stunning performance in his senior year, he earned First Team All-American, First Team All-SEC, and even served the team as a captain. Then, the Titans snagged him 22nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

As for DeBoer, he’s fully aware of the stage he steps onto this weekend, “We understand how big of a game this is to us right now in the season that we’re in, and that’s really what we’re focused on.” While his words carried the seriousness of a coach intent on the task at hand, DeBoer also recognized the power of Bryant–Denny Stadium. With the Tide boasting the nation’s longest active home winning streak at 15 games, it’s hard not to flex.

Kalen DeBoer’s mindset ahead of the Vols game

After stumbling early in the season, Alabama has bounced back in style, while Kalen DeBoer is hitting his stride at one of CFB’s crown jewels. As the Tide prepares to take on the Volunteers, DeBoer fully grasps the weight and history behind this fierce rivalry. “Understand the rivalry and it’s a lot of fun for our fans and goes back, obviously, generations,” he said. “We understand how big of deal this game is to them.” Because both teams enter the game 5-1 this season. While the Vols aim to keep their winning streak alive, Alabama is looking to avenge last year’s loss.

Although this season, Alabama gets the luxury of home-field advantage at Bryant-Denny Stadium. But DeBoer isn’t taking it lightly. “Just looking forward to a great game. Need our fans loud… extremely loud,” he said. “We need an environment that’s the best in the country here this weekend. Again, we’re playing for a lot each week, and we appreciate the support we get. Our players feel the energy and feed off of it.” But history favors the Tide.

Across 107 showdowns, Alabama leads the series with 60 wins, Tennessee has 38, and eight games ended in a tie. But this isn’t the Saban era anymore; that chapter is over. So for DeBoer, it’s about more than just the stats. That’s why he wants every fan in Bryant-Denny to leave buzzing.