Jermaine Burton, Kool-Aid McKinstry trolls Tennessee amid victory cigar celebration

The Third Saturday in October is always a big game to win for Alabama and Tennessee. And especially so for Alabama players Jermaine Burton and Kool-Aid McKinstry after Alabama avenged a loss in 2022 on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Following the 34-20 win by the Crimson Tide, Burton and McKinstry went live on Instagram and offered some glimpses from the locker room celebration. Of course there were cigars aplenty, as is tradition following the rivalry.

“Waited a year for that s***. Where the Tennessee fans at in my live? I want to talk,” Burton said, giving a quizzical look to the camera before addressing the chat.

pic.twitter.com/6SeatTOQMD

— Zay (@bama4lyfer) October 21, 2023

They wanted to know where Nick Saban was.

“Don’t worry about where Saban’s at, he’s turning up. Where the Tennesse fans at? I know they burning up,” Burton said, trash talking in near-verse and putting the lit end of his cigar near the camera when he said “burning up.”

McKinstry was more succinct in his trash talk.

“That get back a motherf*****” McKinstry said.

Saban was probably chewing on his cigar

As is tradition, cigar smoke filled Bryant Denny Stadium as the time ticked away on Alabama’s victory over Tennessee on the Third Saturday in October. It’s customary for fans and players alike to enjoy a celebratory cigar after winning the game, which the Crimson Tide did 34-20.

Saban, however, doesn’t like to smoke cigars. As for his plans after Saturday’s victory — which avenged last year’s loss at Neyland Stadium — Saban knew how he was going to try and enjoy his cigar.

“I’ll chew on one for a while,” Saban told CBS’ Jenny Dell with a grin. “I can tell you that.”

"Well, I'll chew on one for a while." – Nick Saban to @JennyDell_ on the victory cigar

And then you MUST un-mute to hear Jalen Milroe's laugh 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mldquoiw4K

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 21, 2023

Alabama got off to a rough start to this year’s showdown. Tennessee took an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter behind strong play from Joe Milton, who helped the Volunteers convert 4 of 7 third downs in the period.

Saban told Dell Alabama had to adjust after that quarter, and the Crimson Tide certainly did. Not only did the offense find its rhythm, but the defense held strong to ride a strong second half to victory. Alabama outscored Tennessee 27-0 after halftime and held the Volunteers to just 129 total yards of offense out of the break.

It’s safe to say the Alabama staff adjusted like Saban wanted, and he said it all started with the Crimson Tide’s first drive of the third quarter.

“I think the big thing was we came out in the second half, two plays and a touchdown changed the whole momentum of the game,” Saban said. “Got our team excited, got our team having energy and we played great after that. My hats off — the fans were great. This is a great win for us.”