Tennessee fires up cigars after Alabama win, cameras capture one with checkerboard wrapping
When the clock hit zeroes on Tennessee’s victory over Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, it was time for one of the great traditions in college football. Cigar smoke filled the air as fans fired them up – including one with checkerboard wrapping.
The celebration began following a Jalen Milroe interception, sealing Tennessee’s 24-17 victory in the annual Third Saturday in October game. Cigars have become a staple of the matchup as each team has them ready for a potential victory.
Once Tennessee got the game-sealing pick, lighters and matches started to light up. It’s sure to be a night to remember on Rocky Top after the Volunteers picked up their second victory over Alabama in three seasons.
Tennessee trailed Alabama 7-0 at halftime as both offenses struggled. But things picked up after the break as the Volunteers totaled 265 yards in the second half, led by another monster game from Dylan Sampson. He took 26 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns to again serve as the focal point of the Vols offense.
Nico Iamaleava also shook off an injury scare in the first half en route to a solid performance. He completed 14 of 27 passes for 194 yards, along with the touchdown that proved to be the different. He connected with Chris Brazzell for a 16-yard score to re-take the lead, 21-17, with 5:52 to play in the fourth quarter.
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But it was the Tennessee defense which made big plays down the stretch. Alabama totaled 250 yards in the third quarter, but ended up with just 64 yards in the fourth quarter as the Volunteers fought off Milroe and the Tide to eventually pick up yet another victory in the rivalry affair – capped by the interception. To Josh Heupel, it wasn’t much of a surprise.
“Fitting, how they played all year, but how they played tonight,” Heupel told ABC’s Molly McGrath. “Kept us in the ballgame when offensively, we were just a little bit off. There were some things that were close and were just a little bit off. Young guys got to grow up. They came out and competed really hard.
“Proud of our team, man. They’re resilient, they love competing together. They answer the bell every round.”