The History of the Rivalry
The Tennessee Volunteers and the Auburn Tigers have one of the most storied rivalries in college football. The two schools first met in 1893, and they have played 119 times since then. The Volunteers hold a 57-53-9 record in the series, but the Tigers have won the last two meetings.
The rivalry is so intense that it has been dubbed the “Third Saturday in October” by fans of both teams. The game is played on the third Saturday of October every year, and it is one of the most anticipated events on the college football calendar.
The Stakes of the Rivalry
The TN vs. Auburn rivalry is more than just a game. It is a battle for bragging rights, and it often has implications for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and the College Football Playoff.
In recent years, the rivalry has been particularly heated. The two teams have met in the SEC Championship Game three times since 2013, and the Tigers have won two of those meetings.
The Key Players
There have been many great players who have participated in the TN vs. Auburn rivalry over the years. Some of the most notable include:
- Peyton Manning (Tennessee): The 1997 Heisman Trophy winner is one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. He led the Volunteers to the 1998 National Championship.
- Cam Newton (Auburn): The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner is one of the most electrifying players in college football history. He led the Tigers to the 2010 National Championship.
- Derrick Henry (Tennessee): The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner is one of the most dominant running backs in college football history. He led the Volunteers to the 2016 SEC Championship Game.
- Nick Chubb (Georgia): The 2017 Heisman Trophy runner-up is one of the most talented running backs in college football history. He led the Bulldogs to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that fans of both teams should avoid when discussing the TN vs. Auburn rivalry. These mistakes include:
- Making generalizations about the other team’s fans. It is important to remember that not all fans of the other team are the same. There are good and bad fans on both sides of the rivalry.
- Using offensive or derogatory language. This is never acceptable, regardless of the context.
- Threatening violence. This is a serious matter, and it should never be taken lightly.
The Pros and Cons of the Rivalry
There are both pros and cons to the TN vs. Auburn rivalry. Some of the pros include:
- It is a great way to bring people together. The rivalry is a shared experience for fans of both teams, and it can help to create a sense of community.
- It can be a lot of fun. The games are always exciting, and the atmosphere is electric.
- It can help to raise money for charity. The rivalry has been used to raise money for a variety of charities over the years.
Some of the cons of the rivalry include:
- It can be divisive. The rivalry can sometimes lead to division between fans of the two teams.
- It can be expensive. The tickets to the games can be expensive, and the travel costs can add up.
- It can be dangerous. The rivalry has sometimes led to violence between fans of the two teams.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the TN vs. Auburn rivalry:
- Who has the most wins in the series? Tennessee has the most wins in the series, with a record of 57-53-9.
- Who has won the last two meetings? Auburn has won the last two meetings, in 2019 and 2020.
- Who is the current favorite in the rivalry? The Tigers are currently favored in the rivalry, according to the oddsmakers.
- When is the next game in the rivalry? The next game in the rivalry is scheduled for October 21, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Conclusion
The TN vs. Auburn rivalry is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. It is a battle for bragging rights, and it often has implications for the SEC championship and the College Football Playoff. The rivalry is intense, but it is also a lot of fun. It is a great way to bring people together, and it can help to raise money for charity.