Peyton Manning won’t be at Saturday’s Alabama-Tennessee game in Tuscaloosa, but you can bet the former Vols quarterback will have an eye on the game.

The NFL Hall of Famer joined Greg McElroy on “Always College Football” to talk about the “Third Saturday in October” and has some concerns about the Tennessee offense. That, however, didn’t stop the former Tennessee star for having a little fun with McElroy, the former Alabama quarterback.

“Still getting our identity on offense a little bit,” Manning explained. “Obviously, we lost some big playmakers. I mean how good was (Jalin) Hyatt last year in that Alabama game?”

Hyatt had six catches for 207 yards and five scores in the Vols’ 52-49 win over Nick Saban’s Tide.

“I have a picture of he and I smoking cigars,” Manning quipped. “Greg, I know that’s been your screensaver for the majority of the year.”

After 15 years of a one-sided rivalry, Tennessee got the elusive win when Chase McGrath made a 40-yard field goal as time expired, and Manning was all about reminding McElroy in his own playful way.

“I did storm the field last year,” he said. “I mentioned smoking the cigar. That’s what happens when you win, you beat Alabama. You get a cigar, Greg.”

All jokes aside, Manning knows his alma mater faces a tough task Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Coach Saban and those guys have not forgotten about last year,” Manning said. “I know they will be very motivated.”

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.