Mark Ingram reflects on Alabama vs. Tennessee rivalry, what separates it from other big games

As time ticked away on Alabama’s victory over Tennessee last week, the celebration was starting in the stands at Bryant Denny Stadium. The cigar smoke created a haze as the CBS broadcast was wrapping up, as is customary on the Third Saturday in October.

While the Crimson Tide were putting the finishing touches on their rivalry victory, former Alabama star Mark Ingram was on his way home after a day of coverage for FOX Big Noon Kickoff. When he got back, though, a cigar was waiting for him.

“I was traveling back,” Ingram told On3 via Zoom interview. “But I had me one when I got home.”

The Third Saturday in October has plenty of history for both the Alabama and Tennessee programs. The two teams have squared off 105 times, including last week’s 34-20 Alabama victory in Tuscaloosa. In fact, over the last 16 years, the Volunteers have only won twice — in 2006 and in 2022.

Of course, the Vols aren’t the Crimson Tide’s only rival. The Iron Bowl is an annual tradition between Alabama and Auburn. LSU is another rival, especially considering Nick Saban’s connection between the two programs. Most recently, the game against Texas A&M has generated chatter.

Saban said the history between Alabama and Tennessee adds to the nature of the rivalry, though. To Ingram, that history — along with the cigar tradition which dates back to the 1950s — separates it from the others.

“All those rivalries are very important to the history and tradition of the program,” Ingram said. “You never want to lose to your rivals. You always want to beat your rivals. And you talk about Tennessee, you talk about LSU, you talk about Auburn. Even recently, like A&M. A couple of losses we had to them over the years. You never want to lose to your rivals, man. That’s always bragging rights and that’s something that can keep coaches long-tenured at a program or get coaches fired, just losing those rivalry games. Fortunately, Coach Saban has won them a majority of the time.

“That’s just something that’s really important, and that Third Saturday in October is something that we always looked forward to, being able to light up cigars in the locker room after the game.”

Ingram got to partake in his share of cigars during his time in Tuscaloosa. Alabama won all three games against Tennessee during his time there. In fact, as part of a Heisman Trophy season in 2009, Ingram ran for 99 yards to help the Crimson Tide to a narrow, 12-10 victory over the Vols.

But after last year’s loss on a walk-off field goal at Neyland Stadium, Ingram knew there’d be some extra motivation for this year’s installment. That, he said, made it even sweeter.

“Especially after last year, they kind of got us, so we needed some revenge for that,” Ingram said. “We got our revenge.”

Mark Ingram is partnering with Dos Equis’ College Football Tailgate Throwdown. Voting runs through Oct. 25 as he helps an Alabama fan try to win the ultimate prize.