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Lane Kiffin sends message to Vols fans, celebrates Ole Miss, Tennessee victories over 'the state of Alabama'

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•10/16/22•

SamraSource

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Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Lane Kiffin is celebrating not just a victory over Auburn for Ole Miss, but Tennessee‘s shocking victory over Alabama, as well.

For context, Kiffin got Volunteers fans back on his good side for a moment during ESPN’s College GameDay, where he explained Ole Miss and Tennessee were going to “beat the state of Alabama” on Saturday.

“I mean, if you think I don’t know Tennessee is playing Alabama, I mean who doesn’t know that?” answered Kiffin, asked if his tunnel-vision on the Auburn Tigers prevented him from being excited about the huge SEC showdown. “You know, I don’t know what to say, except for hey, let’s go beat the state of Alabama today. Go Vols.”

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After the deed was done — Ole Miss and Tennessee victorious — Kiffin tweeted a heartfelt congratulations to the Volunteers in a way only he could.

“Congrats @Vol_Football @OleMissFB  what a great day #NoRockyBlock #FG’S&OnsidesKicks #DownGoesStateofBama #3rdSaturdayofOctober (heart emojis),” tweeted Kiffin.

Moreover, Ole Miss and Tennessee helped shake up the SEC on Saturday, both enjoying undefeated seasons at the moment. While they’re not slated to play in 2022, it could be fascinating if they miraculosly meet in the SEC Championship Game this December.

Until then, Lane Kiffin will continue championing both of their success, softening his stance with Tennessee fans after every compliment.

Josh Heupel on buzzer-beating Tennessee win over Alabama: This is college football at its absolute best

After 15 long years, Tennessee fans can light their cigars. The Volunteers defeated Alabama — and Josh Heupel had an emphatic reaction after the game.

“Rocky Top, this is college football at its absolute best,” he told CBS’ Jenny Dell. 

Neyland Stadium was rocking all day long as the No. 6-ranked Volunteers took on No. 3 Alabama Saturday afternoon. All 102,000 people in attendance saw a thriller as both teams traded scores all game long. But one team had to come out on top, and thanks to the leg of Chase McGrath, Tennessee fans got to celebrate.

“Our team competed 60 minutes,” Heupel said amid the field-storming. “These fans were phenomenal. What an environment, man.”

It’s hard to state what the win means for Vol Nation. Tennessee’s last victory over Alabama came in 2006 — one year before Nick Saban arrived at Alabama. The Volunteers started out hot on offense and never looked back, putting up more points than any Saban opponent during his time at Alabama.

For Heupel, the second-year Tennessee head coach, he knows fans have waited a long time for a night like this.

“It’s about this team, for our former players, our fans,” Heupel said. “We know what this means.”

Dell didn’t even have to ask what Heupel plans to do to celebrate.

“I’m going to light a cigar tonight,” he said.