Peyton Manning on the Third Saturday in October rivalry: 'The series has been so one-sided since 2022'

NFL legend Peyton Manning had a little fun ahead of the rivalry showdown between Alabama and Tennessee when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday.

Manning discussed a number of topics on the show, including the Third Saturday in October rivalry game.

Alabama had won 15 straight games in the series prior to last season, but Manning, who of course starred for the Vols, only wanted to focus on the 2022 matchup.

“It’s funny, I mean I can’t think of the last time Alabama’s beaten us,” Peyton Manning said. “We obviously took care of business last year. The series has been so one-sided since 2022. So I’m gonna tune in Saturday, but I think I kind of know what’s going to happen. We’ve kinda had our way with them since 2022.”

Manning went on to offer some more serious thoughts on Saturday’s rivalry game. He expects Alabama to be ready to go after the Vols finally ended their losing streak last seaseon.

“Gah-lee, it’s going to be a dogfight. I mean Nick Saban, for some reason, I think he remembers that game from last year,” Manning said. “He remembers the pictures of the cigars. I was having one, as well in the locker room. It had been a long time since we had had a chance to do that. I know coach Saban’s going to have those guys ready.”

Manning expects Tennessee to be ready to play, too.

He added that Vols head coach Josh Heupel has challenged his team to prove that it has taken a step forward and that last year’s win wasn’t a fluke.

“I also think coach Heupel has challenged our team. … To be known as a really elite team, we’ve gotta be able to win on the road,” Manning said. “We didn’t do that last year in Athens and in South Carolina. So this is our first big road test. It’s going to be rocking in Tuscaloosa.”

Manning had a ton of success in Knoxville, prior to going on to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. That includes going 3-1 against Alabama from 1994-97.

Peyton Manning is proud of those wins and is hoping Tennessee can get another big victory this weekend.

“Look, Alabama-Tennessee, this is what it’s all about,” Manning said. “I was honored to be a part of that rivalry for four years – won three out of the four. I still have a couple of those cigars. Had those framed. Those are keepsakes, for sure. I won’t be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. But I’ll be pulling hard for the Vols. It should be a good one.”