Got a Light for the Boys in Crimson and White? Alabama Smokes Tennessee, 48-17
“Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar/You’re gonna go far, you’re gonna fly high, you’re never gonna die, you’re gonna make it if you try/They’re gonna love you.
- “Have a Cigar” by Pink Floyd
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Photo: via @bamainsider
In 1961, a manager for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program made a deal with the players...break a 6-game losing streak to the Tennessee Volunteers and he would, in front of the entire team, dance naked in the team’s locker room. After Bear’s boys worked the Volunteers 34-3, the manager indeed danced in front of the team with a cigar clutched between his teeth. It is said that the ‘61 edition of the Third Saturday in October was the official start to the Bryant dynasty at Alabama. In addition, it began a tradition that continues to this day...not the dancing, thank goodness, but the winner lights up cigars in their locker room to celebrate the victory.
Likely the scene in the locker room after the Tide win over the Vols in 1961.
The opening lyrics to the iconic 1975 Pink Floyd song “Have a Cigar” rang true on Saturday for the Tide, as Alabama throttled Tennessee for their 14th straight victory over their rivals from Knoxville. The boys in Crimson and White certainly enjoyed their post-game cigar knowing they are destined to go far this season. On the backs of a quarterback that continues to produce, an offensive line that is becoming dominant, skill players that are he envy of the college football world, a roster that embraces a “next man up” mentality, and a defense that is steadily improving week after week, this 2020 edition of the Crimson Tide are truly flying high with the strong possibility that the legend of this team will continue to grow.
On Saturday in Knoxville, the Tide shook off the devastating season-ending ankle injury to star wideout Jaylen Waddle on the opening kickoff of the game to dominate the contest, 48-17. The Volunteers met a menacing group clad in white uniforms and crimson helmets. Alabama ran over the boys in burnt orange like it was a walk in the park...almost like it was their divine right to do so. Bama quarterback Mac “Daddy” Jones adjusted to the loss of Waddle by throwing for 387 yards. Jones failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season, yet his pinpoint accuracy (Mac completed his first 11 passes, and combined with completing his last 8 passes of last week’s Georgia game, broke an Alabama record for most passes completed in a row with 19) and moxy led the offense on long, controlled scoring drives that would have made the late Bear Bryant, a big fan of ball controlled offense, so very proud. Bama’s score sheet reads of consistency, with scoring drives of 6 plays/70 yards, 7 plays/76 yards, 9 plays/75 yards, 5 plays/75 yards, 11 plays/80 yards, 7 plays/23 yards, and 12 plays/60 yards with the last two drives mentioned resulting in field goals. Ball control and consistency personified indeed.
The receiving corps did just fine without their star, as Waddle’s replacement, sophomore Slade Bolden, caught 6 passes for 94 yards. Senior stud DaVonta Smith had a steady day, making 7 catches for 33 yards. Jon Metchie continued his breakout sophomore season by hauling in 7 passes for 151 yards, including a pair of nifty 45 yard receptions that set up short touchdown runs by Najee Harris. Speaking of Harris, the senior tailback had another terrific day as he carried the rock 20 times for 96 yards and three TD’s, bringing his season total to 14 rushing touchdowns. Overall, Bama churned out 587 total yards and their 30 first downs kept the chain gang busy all day. The defense, ever improving, held Tennessee to 302 yards and limited the Volunteers to converting on only 4 of 16 third down attempts.
Photo: Knoxville News Sentinel
Overall, the game followed a predictable script. Alabama dominated the first half and led 28-10, yet Tennessee was still in the game and received the second half kickoff. Perhaps the Vols could open the half with a scoring drive that would swing the momentum and put pressure on the Alabama offense to continue it’s frenetic scoring pace. That hope ended less than a minute into the third quarter when, on a third and five from the Vol 30, Tennessee called a running play and tailback Eric Gray was stripped by freshman Malachi Moore, who returned the fumble for a touchdown which pushed the Tide lead to 35-10 and essentially ended the contest while sending the Vol Nation into another year of Bama misery. In contrast, those loyal to the Crimson and White simply lit their cigars for the fourteenth straight year and Sir Nick ran his record against former assistants to 23-0. Usher in that cool tune from the “Modelo” commercials and get ready for Mississippi State (Alabama) and Arkansas (Tennessee).
Looking ahead, both teams have much to look forward to. Despite the score, I tip my hat to Tennessee as all was not a disaster for the Volunteers. Tennessee played extremely hard and never gave up. Their offensive line did a nice job of opening holes for their running backs in the first half and created a secure pocket where quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was rarely hurried or touched. It seems like Guarantano has been in Knoxville for thirty years, and his play throughout his career has been a point of contention for Vols fans for at least twenty-five of those thirty years, especially last week when he threw two pick-sixes in a lopsided loss to Kentucky. Yet Jarrett did some nice things on Saturday. True, his stat line of 13-24 for 162 yards isn’t going to beat the Bama’s of the world, yet he hit some nice passes (including touchdowns of 38 and 27 yards that were beautiful tosses), was generally cool in the pocket, made several plays with his legs, and displayed positive leadership throughout the game. Tennessee hung in there, never backed down to the mighty Tide, and have numerous positives they can bring into their tilt with Arkansas on November 7th.
Photo: via @labor4christ
The Bama receiving corps made sure Jaylen Waddle got his cigar.
As for the Tide, losing Waddle for the season is a tough blow, much more on the psychological side of the game as Jaylen seems like a terrific young man, and is a rare talent, especially in the arena of kick returns. The college football world is sick this morning as a great playmaker has been lost for the season, and collectively, we pray that all of Jaylen’s football goals and dreams will still be possible after a full recovery. From a football standpoint, Bama’s offense may not be quite as explosive, yet as demonstrated against the Vols, the beat goes on and there is still so much talent that it is hard to see the Tide offense slowing down. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has this unit rolling, and he has plenty of weapons to work with. In addition, Alabama has a place kicker in sophomore Will Reichard that is proving to be dependable. The sophomore who hails from Alabama high school power Hoover is a perfect 6 for 6 on field goals this season. Bama fans are feeling for the first time in many years that, if needed, Reichard can win a game with his foot.
After the game, Vol coach Jeremy Pruitt was asked if he was frustrated about the current gap that exists between the Alabama and Tennessee football programs. Pruitt, who is an Alabama alum and served on Nick Saban’s staff as defensive coordinator before being hired by the Vols three years ago, made it clear that the gap between the programs is shrinking. Time will tell, as Tennessee’s recruiting continues to rank high. Yet, until they develop depth that can go toe to toe with the Alabama’s of the world, and until they get more difference makers in the skill positions, results like Saturday against the Tide might continue for years to come. Vols fans are running out of patience, yet positive signs are evident...hang in there, Vol Nation. The best is still yet to come under Pruitt.
But for now, smoking stogies on the third Saturday in October remains the sole domain of those that don the Crimson and White.