The No. 7 Vols (17-2) face the No. 1 Tigers (17-1) and coach Bruce Pearl, who coached Tennessee from 2005-11. Pearl, of course, has turned around the Auburn basketball program since taking over in 2014.

Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl wasn’t afraid to give a hot take. He recognized that’s what was wanted on the radio show, so he delivered. Pearl was appearing on the Stingray Show on Tide 100.9 this week and shared this opinion: “I don’t think Alabama goes and hires Nate Oats if Bruce Pearl isn’t at Auburn,

Bruce Pearl has coached at a high level throughout his time as head coach of the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team. His success is believed to have played a role in Alabama following a similar route with how they hired Nate Oats,