Updated 2m 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 11 sources split on this story
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Coverage by lean
11 sources · 22 articles · 55% Center coverage
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center treats the moment as lighthearted sports theater, focusing on Saban's wit and the festive GameDay atmosphere in Knoxville.
Heavy2hTexas Football Trolls Johnny Knoxville After Crushing Tennessee’s Perfect StartPenPennLive1hTexas' Sark reacts to Colin Simmons’ urination celebration
USA Today25mColin Simmons got insane penalty. Then Steve Sarkisian gave wild quote
Associated Press2hColin Simmons ties program-record with 5 sacks as No. 1 Texas beats No. 14 Tennessee 20-17
ESPN2hTexas' Colin Simmons penalized for miming urinating on field - ESPNKSAKSAT 12 San Antonio2hColin Simmons ties program-record with 5 sacks as No. 1 Texas beats No. 14 Tennessee 20-17Left2 sources
Right coverage, 3 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 Wire22hQuick Hits: Vols’ Rude Chant For Nick Saban, Josh Heupel’s $100K Throw, A $1.5M Kick
New York Post3hTexas defensive star flagged for pretending to urinate on field after sack in 'idiotic move'
Daily Mail4hCollege football fans left shocked by star's 'disgusting' celebration in front of Donald Trump in SEC showdownWhat’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.