Leave it to a couple of cerebral quarterbacks to implore some witty banter for a special occasion.

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy turned 35 on Wednesday, so, of course, Peyton Manning – the former Tennessee Volunteer – couldn’t let the day pass without a shot or two at McElroy’s Crimson Tide.

“I know age 34 flew by. Kind of like Tennessee’s receivers running through the Alabama secondary when we scored 52 on you this past October,” Manning said during a recorded message played during “Always Collee Football.” “You remember that, pal? I think you do.

“Anyway, have a great celebration tonight. Enjoy a victory cigar on me. I appreciate your friendship. Just remember, though, coach Saban asked me to make sure to remind you, it’s lights out by 10, pal.”

McElroy, however, didn’t waste the chance to respond.

“Yes, the receivers did get free from time to time. I’m glad you enjoyed that. The last time Tennessee beat Alabama, I was in my teens. So I’m glad that you guys got to enjoy this past year. Congratulations. Hopefully, that victory cigar that you enjoyed last year, it’ll be the last one we see until I turn 50.

“If history repeats itself, that’s likely to happen to you and your Volunteers.”

In October, after 15 years of losing to Alabama, Tennessee snapped the losing streak with a 52-49 in Knoxville.

Chase McGrath made a 40-yard field goal as time expired to give No. 6 Tennessee a victory over No. 3 Alabama.

Fireworks went off over Neyland Stadium and it glowed orange as the song “Dixieland Delight” by the band Alabama — a Crimson Tide favorite — blared over the stadium speakers.

Mark Heim is a sports 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 Music App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.