Updated 1w+ ago · Sports
Peyton Manning Trolls Nick Saban Over Tennessee's $1.5 Million Kick
Nick Saban told the Knoxville crowd he 'smoked 16 of 17 cigars' against Tennessee. Fans responded with a chant directed at the retired Alabama coach.
- 16-1: Saban's record against Tennessee across 17 seasons at Alabama.
- 15 consecutive wins ran from 2007 through 2021 before Tennessee won 52-49.
- Saban's final meeting with Tennessee ended in a 34-20 Alabama win in 2023.
- Tennessee entered Saturday's Texas game ranked No. 14 with a 3-0 record.
Why it matters: The moment landed on live television in front of a packed GameDay crowd. Saban's record gives weight to the taunt — Tennessee won only once against him in 17 tries.
- ESPN's Pat McAfee heard the chant and offered a cleaned-up interpretation on air.
How 17 sources split on this story
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17 sources · 41 articles · 53% Center coverage
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center treats the moment as lighthearted sports theater, focusing on Saban's wit and the festive GameDay atmosphere in Knoxville.
Heavy1w+‘Watch Yo Mouth’: Colin Simmons Fires Back at CBS Analyst Over Peeing PenaltyPennLive1w+Texas’ Colin Simmons apologizes, reveals what Sark saidUSA Today1w+Texas football lit cigars. This performance should've set off alarms | OpinionAssociated Press1w+A record 5-sack day, then a vulgar celebration: Texas' Colin Simmons has a huge day at TennesseeNewsweek1w+Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Blames Media for Colin Simmons’ Offensive CelebrationThe Dallas Morning News1w+Watch: Texas' Colin Simmons draws 15-yard penalty for 'simulating using the restroom'ESPN1w+Texas' Colin Simmons penalized for miming urinating on field - ESPNKSAT 12 San Antonio1w+Colin Simmons ties program-record with 5 sacks as No. 1 Texas beats No. 14 Tennessee 20-17KXAN Austin1w+Texas defense dominates Tennessee as Sarkisian addresses Colin Simmons' controversial celebration
Left3 sources
Right coverage, 5 sources: The right frames the crowd's response as rude and unsportsmanlike while portraying Saban as good-humored and in command of the exchange.
The Daily Wire1w+Quick Hits: Vols’ Rude Chant For Nick Saban, Josh Heupel’s $100K Throw, A $1.5M KickNew York Post1w+Texas defensive star flagged for pretending to urinate on field after sack in 'idiotic move'Daily Mail1w+Texas football star begs for forgiveness in groveling apology after being penalized for disgusting act in front of TrumpBreitbart News1w+VIDEO: Texas' Steve Sarkisian Blames 'Society' for His Player's Urination CelebrationFox News1w+Texas dropped some celebrations against Tennessee that were about as unhinged as they come
What’s next: Tennessee faces top-ranked Texas on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
- The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry game is scheduled for Oct. 17 in Knoxville.
- Whether Tennessee's 2024 win over Alabama — after Saban's retirement — signals a genuine shift in the rivalry or an anomaly.
- How the Oct. 17 matchup will affect the rivalry's trajectory under current coaching staffs.
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