Nick Saban on postgame cigar celebration after beating Tennessee: 'I'll chew on one for a while'

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.

Nick 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.”

Nick Saban shouts out Alabama’s complete second-half performance after win over Tennessee

Jalen Milroe put together a huge performance after the rough start, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 21 passing. On the ground, Jase McClellan led the charge with 115 yards and a touchdown.

The defense got some big days, as well. Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell combined for 22 tackles, and Campbell had the 24-yard scoop-and-score to help seal the victory. It was a complete performance for Alabama, which Saban said that surely added to the special nature of the victory.

“It’s always great to beat Tennessee,” Saban said. “Jalen did a great job. Offense did a great job in the second half, but the defense shut them out in the second half, too.”