Last October 19, one of college football’s most celebrated rivalries took center stage as the #7 Alabama Crimson Tide (17) rolled into the Scruffy City to take on the #11 Tennessee Volunteers (24) in what’s famously known as the “Third Saturday in October.”
While this annual SEC clash is always a highlight of the season, it’s not just the on-field action that captivates fans –it’s the long-standing tradition that accompanies the game. Known as the “Cigar Game,” the rivalry brings with it a time-honored celebration: the victorious team lights up cigars to mark their triumph, a secondary violation that the NCAA ignores.
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The origins of this unique tradition trace back to 1961, when Alabama’s athletic trainer, Jim Goostree –who was a Tennessee graduate– handed out cigars to the victorious Alabama players after their win over the Volunteers, breaking a 5-game losing streak. What started as a one-time gesture of celebration evolved into an annual ritual, with cigars becoming a symbol of victory in this heated rivalry. Now, the act of lighting up after the game is deeply embedded in the culture of both programs, cementing the “Cigar Game” as one of the most unique and highly anticipated traditions in college football.
The rivalry, famously known as the “Third Saturday in October,” dates back to 1901 and has been defined by legendary players and coaches from both schools.
Tennessee broke that streak in dramatic fashion in 2022, winning 52-49 at Neyland Stadium with a walk-off field goal. The victory sent Vols fans into a frenzy, storming the field and lighting up cigars as the long-dormant tradition was reignited. For Josh Heupel, who lit an Olivia Melanio, the win was a defining moment as Tennessee’s head coach, signaling the Volunteers’ resurgence and a renewed competitiveness in the SEC.
Beyond the game itself, the cigar tradition adds an extra layer of excitement to the rivalry. With the rivalry once again at full strength, both teams know that the chance to light up a cigar at the end of the game carries more weight than ever.
Whether Alabama or Tennessee emerges victorious, the winning team will uphold this long-standing ritual –celebrating not just a win, but a decades-long tradition that connects the present to the past.
For fans, the “Third Saturday in October” is more than just a football game –it’s a celebration of one of college football’s greatest rivalries. The tradition of cigars has become just as important as the game itself, symbolizing a hard-fought victory that transcends generations. With each passing year, the significance of the game grows, uniting players, coaches, and fans in a moment of shared history and pride.
*With information from Cody Carden/Cigar Rights of America
https://cigarrights.org/tennessee-vs-alabama-the-historic-cigar-game-tradition-continues/
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