Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer is about to get his first taste of the Third Saturday in October rivalry.

He’s new to it, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know about the history against Tennessee.

“I know that this tradition goes back quite a ways,” DeBoer said Monday. “I know that cigars are a part of it.”

That’s not his focus, though. He’s busy getting No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) ready for the matchup against No. 11 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1) on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Neyland Stadium.

“I know that what I’m trying to do is just make sure we do our part as a football program and prepare so that people can celebrate and enjoy the rivalry on our end,” DeBoer said. “And a lot of respect for Tennessee, their coaches, their players. But we’re just pouring into the things we can control, what we can focus and want to bring that joy to not just the hard work we put in personally and within this team but also so our fan base can enjoy it, as well.”

DeBoer said he has been told the game is a big deal, but he already knew that watching from afar.

“These are the games, much like we’ve had on the schedule,“ DeBoer. “As a coach, they’re all big and you take one at a time. But certainly understand the significance of the rivalry. Guys are going to be very motivated to go out and do their best and prepare well and be great on Saturday.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.