Croom was a former on-field standout for the Crimson Tide where he was a three-year starter at center from 1972-74, ending his Alabama career as one of the top players at the position in program history. His career highlights included a 1974 First Team All-American, the 1973 national championship, and a 1974 team captain.

A Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native and son of a former Tide team chaplain, Croom played at Alabama under the iconic Paul 'Bear' Bryant and earned All-America honors on the offensive line in the process. Later, Croom became the first African-American head football coach in SEC history when he took over at Mississippi State.

This week's marquee matchup has the Alabama Crimson Tide going to Neyland Stadium to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. This looked like a potential showdown with two top-five teams, but each squad has struggled in recent games.