The Alabama Crimson Tide sit just weeks away from the beginning of their first season without Nick Saban leading the team out of the tunnel since 2006.

August 31 will mark the start of a new era led by Kalen DeBoer and his staff when the Tide takes the field against Western Kentucky. But as the season draws closer and closer, it’s impossible for fans not to scan the whole schedule eagerly anticipating the games they look forward to most.

During the 2024 season, as always, the Crimson Tide will play in some huge games. But which is the biggest on the schedule as DeBoer gets set to embark on the biggest challenge of his career?

Is it the first road trip for the team up to Madison, Wisconsin in a non-conference clash with the Badgers? Or perhaps the home game against the only coach to challenge Nick Saban for his crown at the top of college football, Kirby Smart? Or is it the in-state rivalry matchup between the Auburn Tigers and the Tide?

I would contend that none of these games are as big on Alabama’s schedule this season as the Third Saturday in October when the Crimson Tide head back to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers.

Alabama could face adversity against a Josh Heupel-led Tennessee offense with a Crimson Tide defense that many have called into question. Additionally, the Tide were absolutely torched in the passing game in Knoxville last time. Throw in the fact that Tennessee wants to beat Alabama as badly as anyone else in the country, and there should be some fireworks in Neyland Stadium on October 19.

It’s entirely possible that by the time this game rolls around, the Tide could already have a loss on their resume considering they play Georgia so early in the year, in which case a second loss would push the team’s playoff hopes to the brink of extinction.