The news of Nick Saban retiring sent shockwaves through the college football world. Among dozens and dozens of thrilled programs to see the Alabama head coach bow out, perhaps none were more elated than the fanbase of the Tennessee Vols.
With a 16-1 record, Saban turned the once-exciting Third Saturday in October into a one-sided annual beatdown. Aside from close shaves in 2009 and 2015, it was like trying to stop a tsunami with a hand towel each year for Tennessee. Until 2022 that is. In Saban’s last game in Knoxville, Tennessee slayed the dragon 52-49 and smoked those long-anticipated victory cigars into the wee hours of the morning.