Peyton Manning has a way with words. His self-deprecating humor is on display during his Monday Night Football broadcast with brother Eli.

On Thursday, while visiting with Pat McAfee, the Manning humor was on display when talking about “The Third Saturday in October.”

“It’s funny,” he started. “I can’t think of the last time Alabama’s beaten us. 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 know what’s going to happen because we’ve had our way with them since 2022.”

Manning is joking, of course. Prior to 2022, it had been 15 years since the Vols tasted victory in this series. Even in 2022, it took a six-catch, 207-yard, five-touchdown performance from Jalin Hyatt for the Vols to beat Alabama. Still, Tennessee needed a Chase McGrath 40-yard field goal as time expired for the 52-49 victory.

“(Alabama coach) Nick Saban, for some reason, I think he remembers that game from last year,” Manning joked. “He remembers the pictures of the cigars. I was have one as well in the locker room. It had been a long time since we had a chance to do that.”

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Manning, who has a deep respect for Saban, admits the game will be a ”dogfight.”

“Alabama-Tennessee is what it’s all about,” he said. “I was honored to be a part of that rivalry for four years. Won three out of the four. I still have some of those cigars. Have them framed. Those are keepsakes for sure.”

Manning isn’t attending the game and admits Tuscaloosa “will be rocking.”

“I’m pulling hard for the Vols,” he said.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.