Above: Alabama head coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart coach the team during the Crimson Tide’s 41-23 victory over Texas A&M. (Kent Gidley/UA Athletics)

It’s not the Third Saturday in October but this is the week that Alabama welcomes Tennessee to the Capstone.

Minkah Fitzpatrick returns one of two interceptions for a touchdown in Alabama’s 41-23 win over Texas A&M. (Kent Gidley/UA Athletics)

The rivalry has lost some luster recently. It’s been eight years since the Volunteers have tasted success against the Crimson Tide.

But Nick Saban is no doubt reminding his charges to watch out for that Tennessee trap when they meet at 2:30 p.m. on CBS. Anything could happen if they get caught looking ahead to a visit next week from LSU.

Auburn’s Carlton Davis makes an interception in the end zone in Auburn’s 30-27 win over Kentucky. (Zach Bland/Auburn Athletics)

After a disappointing 2-2 start, Auburn has won two games in a row, including its 30-27 conquest of Kentucky in Lexington. The Tigers remain on the road this week as they meet Arkansas at Razorback Stadium at 11 a.m. on the SEC Network.

Redshirt freshman Sean White will almost assuredly make his fourth start of the season at quarterback.

Here’s the rest of the slate in this week’s Alabama NewsCenter football preview.

OTHER STATE COLLEGES

South Alabama at Texas State: The Jaguars (3-3) took off last week after falling 49-31 to Arkansas State. They’ll try to climb above .500 at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Troy at New Mexico State: The 1-5 Trojans aim to end a four-game losing string at 7 p.m.

Samford at Western Carolina: Chris Hatcher’s Bulldogs (3-3) are at .500 after falling 44-25 to The Citadel. Kickoff Saturday is at 2:30 p.m.

Jacksonville State at Austin Peay: The Gamecocks (5-1, 3-0 Ohio Valley) amassed 619 yards of total offense, topping the 400-yard mark for a school-record 17th straight game, n downing Tennessee Tech 42-13 last week. They face the Governors at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Samford junior wide receiver Karel Hamilton makes a move against Citadel. (Caroline Summers/Samford Athletics)

Alabama A&M and Alabama State: The Bulldogs and Hornets are off this week before squaring off in the 74th Magic City Classic at Legion Field Oct. 31.

Birmingham-Southern at Rhodes: The Panthers are 4-3 after a 35-18 homecoming victory over Millsaps. Their game in Memphis kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Lane at Miles: The Golden Bears (3-4) have won their past two games. They’ll try to make it three in a row Saturday at 4 p.m.

Central State at Stillman: The 3-3 Tigers welcome the 3-4 Marauders Saturday at 3 p.m.

Tuskegee at Kentucky State: The Golden Tigers (6-1) have won two in a row after being handed their first loss by UNC Pembroke. Kickoff in Frankfort, Ky., is at noon.

North Alabama at West Georgia: The Lions (5-1) blasted UNC Pembroke 62-28 last week. Saturday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m..

West Alabama at Delta State: UWA (5-2, 1-2 Gulf South Conference) ended a two-game losing streak with a 52-27 victory over Shorter. Kickoff Saturday with the Statesmen (5-2, 1-2) is at 2 p.m.

Concordia at Edward Waters: The Hornets kick off in Jacksonville, Fla., at 1 p.m.

Methodist at Huntingdon: The Hawks are 5-1 going into their 1 p.m. meeting on Saturday.

Bethel at Faulkner: The Eagles opened the season with three wins but then lost their next three. They kick off with Bethel at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

HIGH SCHOOL

Class 7A: Hewitt-Trusville (6-2) can claim the No. 2 seed in Region 3 with a win over Hoover, sending the Bucs to fourth seed. A Hoover win and Vestavia win over Tuscaloosa County will cause a three-way tie and a headache for tie-breaking experts. The Huskies are No. 8 in the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association poll; Hoover is No. 7 and Vestavia Hills, which defeated Hoover last week, is No. 9.

Class 6A: No. 5 Saraland (7-1) and No. 9 Blount (7-1) meet Friday at Saraland with the winner capturing the Region 1 second seed.

The playoff picture is coming into focus for some Alabama high schools this weekend. (Bernard Troncale/Alabama NewsCenter)

Class 5A: Wenonah (8-0) hosts No. 6 Pleasant Grove (7-1) Friday with the winner taking the Region 5 title.

Class 4A: Northside (7-1) hosts Montevallo (7-1) with the Region 4 second seed riding on the outcome.

Class 3A: No. 3 Pike County (7-0) is at No. 9 Daleville (7-1) Friday. The top spot in Region 2 is at stake as each enters the game at 5-0 in the region.

Class 2A: Upstart No. 10 Fayetteville (7-1) and always-strong Pickens County (7-1) play to decide the Region 4 title Thursday night at Reform.

Class 1A: Ragland vs. Victory Christian will help resolve a convoluted Region 5 race that has four teams battling for three spots behind region champ Wadley.

AISA: Clarke Prep, No. 9 in the Alabama Independent Schools Association, visits No. 3 Monroe Academy.