Kool-Aid McKinstry not concerned about cigar tradition after Alabama-Tennessee game

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is ready for a big rivalry bout with Tennessee this weekend. And he’s not thinking about anything to do with cigars or other postgame traditions.

Traditionally, the victors of the Third Saturday in October game light up some victory cigars to celebrate vanquishing a bitter rival. Alabama would certainly like to get a win back over Tennessee after last year, but McKinstry isn’t thinking about a cigar right now.

“I’m not really looking forward to it. I’m just looking forward to celebrating with my guys, having fun with my team and just doing what we need to do, like I said, to execute and get the job done. That’s my main focus. I’m not really focused on cigars,” McKinstry said.

McKinstry even admitted something brave for an Alabama veteran: He didn’t know much about the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry when he enrolled with the Crimson Tide. A native of Alabama, McKinstry said the Auburn-Alabama rivalry dominated the headspace among his friends and family.

“Well, honestly, just growing up here, I always know more about Alabama-Auburn than I knew about Alabama-Tennessee, because most of my family is either an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan. So, I didn’t really understand that the rivalry between Alabama and Tennessee was such a big deal until I got here. Now that I’m here I realize that it’s very important,” McKinstry said.

The Alabama-Tennessee game might have some old-school vibes

Last year’s edition saw Tennessee kick a game-winning field goal in an offensive shootout. Both teams saw their starting quarterbacks leave in the offseason, now depending on the services of Jalen Milroe and Joe Milton. Add in their rushing attacks performing well and great defense being played, an old-school feel could be coming back to the rivalry.

“Last year, it was about who had the ball last,” Brent Hubbs of On3’s VolQuest said via Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “That was the whole point of that game. This game has a little bit of an old-school for the older fan base that really appreciates the Third Saturday in October.”

The final score from Neyland Stadium last season — 52-49 for a total of 101 points. It’s the most points scored in an Alabama-Tennessee game ever, with 2003’s 5OT thrilled being the only one to come close (51-43 in favor of the Vols).

Neither team has put up those kind of numbers this season thus far. Tennessee heads into the game at No. 36 in scoring offense, while Alabama is well behind at No. 58. However, both are in the top 25 when it comes to scoring defense.

Both Nick Saban and Josh Heupel are far more likely going to situationally trust their defenses more on Saturday. Conservative decisions could be coming from the sidelines at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Kicking the ball on 4th and 1 at midfield might be the right decision,” Hubbs said. “Whereas a year ago, 4th and 3 at midfield, you were going for it. It’s going to be a very different type of game for coaches to manage on Saturday.”