“Why the Alabama-Tennessee Winner Lights Up a Cigar: The Story Behind the Third Saturday in” — what this page in the network covers. The annual Alabama-Tennessee football game, known as the 'Third Saturday in October,' carries a unique post-game tradition: the winning team celebrates by smoking cigars. This custom dates back to the era of legendary Alabama coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant, who led the Crimson Tide from 1958 to 1982. According to the source, Bryant reportedly started the practice as a way to needle Tennessee fans, and it has since become a cherished ritual for both programs.
The cigar symbolizes bragging rights in one of college football's most storied rivalries, and players eagerly embrace it after a hard-fought victory. The tradition underscores the deep cultural significance of this matchup, which often has SEC and national title implications. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.