Tag: Tennessee Volunteers

Why does the winner of Alabama-Tennessee celebrate with cigars?

On the third Saturday in October, the Vols or the Tide are smoking up.

With the exception of 1943 because of World War II, the football teams at Tennessee and Alabama have played every season since 1928. Saturday marks the 107th meeting between the Volunteers and the Crimson Tide, who typically play each year on the third Saturday in October.

It’s one of college football’s classic rivalries that has featured big moments, upsets and stars. The most recent edition of the game played in Knoxville was especially memorable, as the Vols snapped a 15-game losing streak to Alabama with a 52-49 win thanks to a Chase McGrath field goal as time expired.

Unlike some other historic rivalry games in college football, the winner of this game doesn’t get to take home a clunky trophy that resembles an axe, a hammer or a barrel of nails.

Instead, the winner of this game gets victory cigars and proudly smokes up on the field and in the locker room, whether they’re winning at home or on the road. Fans typically join in on the fun from the bleachers. It’s a celebration that violates NCAA rules, but neither the Vols nor the Tide care all that much.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide with a cigar at Neyland Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 52-49. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)

The victory cigar is something that has existed in the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry since 1961, when Alabama athletic trainer Jim Goostree lit up a stogie in the locker room and danced around naked after the Crimson Tide’s first win over the Vols since 1954. Players joined in and lit up too. Not only did the tradition stick in Tuscaloosa, but it spread over to Tennessee’s locker room.

Alabama was victorious for so long in this series that it had a standing arrangement with a local shop to provide cigars for after the Tennessee game each year.

After Tennessee coach Josh Heupel won his first game in the series in 2022 – the one that broke Alabama’s win streak – he received a congratulatory box of cigars from CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell. Vols’ legend Peyton Manning and wideout Jalin Hyatt lit up too.

Victory cigars are present seemingly everywhere in sports. The Celtics lit up after winning the NBA Finals, Oregon coach Dan Lanning smoked while declaring he wasn’t taking the Alabama job after Nick Saban retired, Alexis Morris put fire to a stogie after LSU won the title in women’s basketball, and an App State fan smoked at Kyle Field as the Mountaineers upset Texas A&M.

But few cigars in sports are as special as the ones the winners of the third Saturday in October light up.

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Paul Finebaum makes his prediction for Alabama vs. Tennessee

The ESPN analyst made his pick for Alabama vs. Tennessee on Saturday.

One of the most known voices in SEC football today has officially made his prediction for the Week 8 matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers, as ESPN’s Paul Finebaum revealed his official pick Saturday morning.

Done as part of ESPN’s “SEC Nation,” which was broadcast live Saturday morning from Knoxville, Finebaum, a Tennessee graduate, picked the Crimson Tide to win the game this afternoon over the rival Volunteers.

In addition to Finebaum, fellow “SEC Nation” analysts Roman Harper, a former Alabama player, and Tim Tebow picked Alabama to win, while Laura Rutledge predicted Tennessee to come away victorious.

Earlier in the week, Finebaum also commented on the game as part of ESPN’s morning show “Get Up,” saying that the eventual loser of the Alabama vs. Tennessee game was “in trouble.”

Who will win “The Third Saturday in October” on Saturday between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers?

Nick Saban jokes about Alabama’s key to defeat Tennessee

The former head coach listed Alabama’s key to defeat Tennessee.

As part of ESPN’s weekly “College GameDay” show on Saturday morning, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban gave some of his thoughts on the program’s rivalry game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

During the conversation, Saban was talking with fellow analyst Lee Corso about how Alabama can beat Tennessee on Saturday, and made a comment that is certainly a key talking point going into the game on how the Crimson Tide could leave Knoxville with a win.

“Let me say this, they better get off the field on third down, because that’s the problem when talking about Alabama,” Saban said on “College GameDay.”

This is certainly important to Alabama defeating the Volunteers on Saturday, as the Crimson Tide have simply struggled to get off the field on third down in recent weeks.

https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1847649350085722539

In the loss to Vanderbilt, Alabama allowed the Commodores to convert 12-of-18 third downs, while South Carolina converted 7-of-15 a week ago. As a result of this, both the Commodores and Gamecocks controlled the time of possession against Alabama.

Can the Crimson Tide get off the field on third down Saturday at Tennessee?

Upcoming three-game stretch could decide Alabama’s season

Alabama plays a trio of ranked team’s over their next three games.

Entering Week 8 of the 2024 college football season, you could certainly say that we have seen both ups-and-downs from the Alabama Crimson Tide up to this point in the year.

After an undefeated 4-0 start to the season headlined by a home win over the Georgia Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide however were upset at Vanderbilt two weeks ago, and then backed that up with a victory over South Carolina last week in which they struggled.

Because of this, Alabama now enters Week 8 with a 5-1 overall record for the season, as well as with some question marks as to if they will end up making the 12-team College Football Playoff later this season. Alabama will likely not have to wait long to have a potential answer to that question either, as this upcoming three-game stretch for the Crimson Tide just might show it.

Starting on Saturday against Tennessee, Alabama will play three consecutive games against a Top 25 ranked team, which features the No. 11 Volunteers, No. 19 Missouri, and No. 8 LSU. Two of those games come on the road in Knoxville and Baton Rouge, while Alabama gets Missouri at home.

Three tough matchups for the Crimson Tide, this stretch could potentially decide on if Alabama will end up making the College Football Playoff, as the team likely cannot lose more than one of these games, two at the most.

Paul Finebaum says loser of Alabama vs. Tennessee is ‘in trouble’

Finebaum shares his thoughts on Alabama vs. Tennessee.

With both teams already owning a loss entering Saturday’s showdown in Knoxville, it’s clear that the Week 8 game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers is a massive one for both teams, especially when it comes to eventually making the College Football Playoff or not.

That thought has been echoed throughout the week by numerous analysts across college football as well, the latest of which was Paul Finebaum on Friday morning, who commented on the game as part of ESPN’s “Get Up.”

“I think the loser of this game is in really big trouble. Let’s say Tennessee loses. They don’t have an impressive win any longer because they beat Oklahoma, and that didn’t amount to anything. NC State, they have nothing on their resume. They’ll be in trouble. They also have a game at Georgia in November which I cannot imagine them winning. Alabama is in a little better shape with a loss. They go to LSU where Brian Kelly has not lost a home game. The loser of this game is in trouble. I think that’s putting it succinctly.”

In addition to that, host Mike Greenberg also asked Finebaum on how fans will react if Alabama were to lose to Tennessee on Saturday, with the ESPN host adding:

“Terribly. I was in Alabama for two days this week, and Bama fans are already beside themselves. They’re not calling him Kalen DeBoer, they’re stopping me at the airport and saying what’s with this guy. There’s a serious bail out on the new guy who just weeks ago was on top of the world.”

Alabama and Tennessee will meet Saturday, October 19 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be available on ABC from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/1847263541473996829

Staff predictions for Week 8 matchup between Alabama and Tennessee

The Roll Tide Wire staff make their picks for Alabama vs. Tennessee.

Arguably the toughest road test on the Alabama Crimson Tide’s schedule so far has now officially arrived, as the program travels to Knoxville this week for a matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Known as “The Third Saturday in October,” Alabama vs. Tennessee is one of the top rivalries in college football, and this season will feature two ranked teams, pitting the No. 7 Crimson Tide vs. the No. 11 Volunteers.

Evident as to why it is considered one of college football’s top matchups this Saturday, here are our Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for the Week 8 game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers:

Matt’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 30, Tennessee Volunteers 27

While this game could go either way, it feels like Alabama is still the better team here. Look for Tennessee to take an early lead, but for Alabama to come fighting back due to some success throwing the ball down the field to the likes of Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, and to eventually make the plays needed in the second half to leave Knoxville with a close, momentum-building win.

Steve’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 38, Tennessee Volunteers 30

I can’t go against my school in a huge rivalry game, especially not in my first week at Roll Tide Wire. But seriously, I’m still hoping this Alabama team can play a full, 60-minute game against an SEC opponent. While l don’t think that will happen at Neyland Stadium this weekend, I do think there’s a lot more ceiling than floor for Kalen DeBoer’s team, especially on offense.

Neither Alabama nor Tennessee have looked right for weeks, but I like Jalen Milroe in this QB matchup with Nico Iamaleava and think the Tide can win a shootout against Tennessee, especially if Jam Miller and the run game gets going. Not for nothing, but the remaining members of the 2022 team should have a chip on their shoulder after their last visit to Neyland. It’s Alabama vs. Tennessee. Like Nick Saban said, “Get your (you-know-what) hot.”

Sam’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 34, Tennessee Volunteers 24

I know Alabama already played No. 1 Georgia, but this very well could be the most important game of the year. Both sides are already sitting at one conference loss, a second will seriously jeopardize playoff hopes. The Crimson Tide lost the last they went to Knoxville, but Alabama has a more talented roster and this Tennessee squad is reeling. I think Alabama scores late to put an emphasis on it, but DeBoer will pick up his first SEC road win in statement fashion.

What was Nick Saban’s career record vs. Tennessee?

Saban owned the Volunteers during his time at Alabama.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide make their return to Knoxville on Saturday for the latest edition of “The Third Saturday in October,” the program is set to do so without former head coach Nick Saban for the first time since 2006.

Instead, Kalen DeBoer will lead Alabama onto the field for the first time in the rivalry, and will likely have some lofty expectations to live up to against the Volunteers based on what Saban did vs. Tennessee during his time as the head coach of the Crimson Tide.

In all, Saban faced off against Tennessee a total of 17 times as head coach of the Crimson Tide, a span in which he held a combined 16-1 record.

Yes, the former Alabama head coach simply dominated the Volunteers during his time in Tuscaloosa, winning 15-straight games over the SEC rivals from 2007-21. Of those 15 games, only two were one-possession games, which came via a 12-10 home victory in 2009, as well as a 19-14 home win in 2015.

Alabama’s lone loss against Tennessee during Saban’s tenure was a 52-49 defeat back in 2022, with the Crimson Tide getting their revenge a year ago with a 34-20 victory in 2023.

With the Crimson Tide now set to play the first game against Tennessee of the DeBoer era Saturday, will it be yet another Alabama victory over the Volunteers?

Updated injury report for Alabama vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday

Alabama had two prominent players come off the Availability Report on Thursday night.

While there were no changes for the Tennessee Volunteers on the latest Week 8 SEC Availability Report from Thursday night, there were however a few notable differences for the Alabama Crimson Tide that could affect the game this Saturday.

In all, the Crimson Tide had five players mentioned on Thursday night’s report, which is the same total as Wednesday. However, not all names were the same, as some players came off the availability report, while others were added.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest Alabama injury updates for Week 8 vs. Tennessee:

Daniel Hill, Running Back

Hill was a new addition Thursday night, as the true freshman running back is now ruled as “out” for the Tennessee game, joining linebacker Cayden Jones. The freshman is Alabama’s fourth leading rusher so far this season, rushing for 37 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts.

Kendrick Law & Kobe Prentice, Wide Receiver

The biggest news from Thursday night was that both Law and Prentice came off the availability report entirely, meaning that both will likely be good to go against Tennessee. If both of Law and Prentice are available for Alabama on Saturday, that is significant news for the Crimson Tide’s wide receiver group.

Keon Sabb, Safety

Sabb was a new addition to the injury report Thursday night, as the safety is now listed as probable for Saturday. Alabama’s third leading tackler, Sabb joins cornerback Domani Jackson as starters in the Crimson Tide secondary who are now probable.

Yhonzae Pierre, Linebacker

Lastly, Pierre took a step in the right direction when it comes to being available for Saturday, as the outside linebacker is now listed as probable. The talented pass rusher was previously listed as questionable Wednesday night.

Alabama vs. Tennessee injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 8

The SEC’s initial Week 8 Availability Report was released Wednesday night.

Ahead of Saturday’s Top 15 clash in Knoxville, the SEC released their initial Week 8 Availability Report on Wednesday night, with multiple players across both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers mentioned.

Headlined by some notable names carrying injury designations, let’s take a look at Wednesday night’s Availability Report for Alabama vs. Tennessee, and break down which names might be available for “The Third Saturday in October.”

Alabama Crimson Tide Week 8 Injury Report vs. Tennessee

  • Cayden Jones, Linebacker – Out
  • Yhonzae Pierre, Linebacker – Questionable
  • Domani Jackson, Defensive Back – Probable
  • Kendrick Law, Wide Receiver – Probable
  • Kobe Prentice, Wide Receiver – Probable 

Alabama’s injury report is headlined by a pair of prominent wide receivers in Law and Prentice being listed as probable, which is certainly good news for the Crimson Tide offense. Jackson listed as probable is also good news on the defensive side of the ball, as the starting cornerback originally left the South Carolina game with an injury prior to returning and making some key plays down the stretch.

Jones, a reserve linebacker with five tackles so far this season, is the only player listed as out for Week 8, while the status of Pierre is still up in the air. Pierre, an outside linebacker, missed the South Carolina game last week due to injury.

Tennessee Volunteers Week 8 injury Report vs. Alabama

  • Jourdan Thomas, Defensive Back – Out
  • Keenan Pili, Linebacker – Out
  • Edwin Spillman, Linebacker – Out
  • Cameron Seldon, Running Back – Questionable
  • Lance Heard, Offensive Line – Probable

Tennessee however has three different players listed as out, with likely none bigger than Keenan Pili, an experienced linebacker who is tied for the team-lead in tackles. Pili suffered a season-ending injury a week ago, and is joined by a notable member of the secondary in Thomas as out, as well as Spillman, a reserve linebacker.

Seldon, who is listed as questionable, is a notable name to watch for as he not only factors into the running game, but is also a key player on special teams. Heard being listed as probable is big news for the Volunteers however, as he starts at left tackle for Tennessee.

Chargers sign TE McCallan Castles to practice squad

The Chargers signed a tight end to the practice squad in wake of Hayden Hurst’s groin injury.

The Chargers signed tight end McCallan Castles to the practice squad, the team announced.

In correspondence, Los Angeles released linebacker Blake Lynch from the practice squad.

The addition of Castles comes in wake of Hayden Hurst’s groin injury he sustained in the Week 6 game against the Broncos.

The Chargers hosted Castles on a visit during the pre-draft process this year.

Castles signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee.

Castles spent two seasons at California, three seasons with UC Davis and his final year with the Volunteers.

For his entire career, Castles played in 45 college games with 29 starts and had 91 catches for 1,226 yards and 14 touchdowns.