Peyton Manning makes prediction for Tennessee-Alabama game

The Third Saturday in October is a special rivalry, with Alabama and Tennessee squaring off for a 104th time this weekend. Alums from both schools still stay involved, including legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. His love for the Volunteers is well-documented, and he supports them whenever he has the opportunity.

Everyone loves a good prediction when discussing the game, with Manning recently giving his to ESPN’s Greg McElroy.

“I feel like the best chance for us to win is for it to be low-scoring,” Manning said. “I think that means possessing the ball. It’s hard for us to control the clock as fast as we run plays. I feel like if Josh (Heupel) is not getting 90 plays in a game, it’s a letdown. So, it’s full speed. Keeping the ball, keeping their offense off the field a little bit.

“20 to 17.”

McElroy then asked “Vols? Or Tide?”

“Come on,” Manning said. “Even for an Alabama grad, Greg, that was a stupid question. Like, come on now.”

Manning surely remembers last season’s game, with the Vols pulling off the massive upset after an offensive explosion. He believes if Tennessee is going to win in Tuscaloosa, it’s going to require some good defense and Heupel’s play-calling will need to take over.

Others covering the program agree with Mannings. Earlier in the week, Brent Hubbs of On3’s VolQuest discussed how this year’s game is going to be more of an old-school game between Alabama and Tennessee.

“Last year, it was about who had the ball last,” Hubbs 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.”

Fitting with the rivalry, McElroy said there is a cigar on the line between him and Manning. Whoever winds up winning will have one waiting for them in the Omaha Production headquarters. Based on his prediction, Manning is expecting a nice stogie from McElroy in the near future.

Tennessee would be making some history if Manning’s prediction came true. They have not beaten Alabama in Tuscaloosa since 2004, dating back to when Mike Shula was the Crimson Tide’s head coach. It’s also the last time consecutive years of victorious Rocky Top in the rivalry.

Last season’s game will be etched into Knoxville lore forever but getting another win would be a great step forward for Heupel.