[shuckmaster]

'Southern Man' was definately the popular radio hit that get's refered to in the song. No arguement there. But, Skynyrd could have written Sweet Home Jacksonville Florida or named any other Southern state in response to that.
You may have to hunt around for it because it's an obscure album cut but, when you hear Neil sing 'Alabama', you'll know what Skynyrd was refering to with their response that followed immediately after.

[Skooz]

Absolutely. "Sweet Home Alabama" was a response to both "Alabama" and "Southern Man."