In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Vanderbilt outlasted top-ranked Alabama in a dramatic 40-35 victory at FirstBank Stadium. The Commodores, fueled by stellar performances on both sides of the ball, notched their first win over Alabama since 1993 and handed the Crimson Tide their first SEC loss of the season.
First Quarter Highlights
Vanderbilt wasted no time getting on the board, as Sedrick Alexander capped off the Commodores’ first drive with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, putting Vanderbilt up 7-0 early. The Commodores’ defense quickly followed with a statement play, as Randon Fontenette intercepted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. While Vanderbilt’s extra point attempt failed, the early momentum was clearly on their side, pushing the score to 13-0 just halfway through the first quarter.
Alabama answered back with a scoring drive of their own, as Jamarion Miller rushed for an 8-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-7. Despite the Crimson Tide’s response, Vanderbilt closed the quarter with a significant 13-7 advantage and control over the pace of the game.
Commodores Build a Lead in the Second Quarter
The second quarter saw Vanderbilt maintain their stronghold. After a methodical 17-play, 75-yard drive, Sedrick Alexander found the end zone again, this time on a 1-yard rush, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to 20-7. The Commodores’ balanced offensive attack, led by Diego Pavia, kept Alabama’s defense on their heels, utilizing clock management and sustained drives to keep the ball away from Alabama’s potent offense.
With just over four minutes remaining in the half, Vanderbilt kicker Brock Taylor nailed a 51-yard field goal, giving the Commodores a 23-7 lead. Alabama answered with a touchdown of their own, as Jamarion Miller scored on a 3-yard rush to cut Vanderbilt’s lead to 23-14 heading into halftime. Despite Alabama’s late touchdown, Vanderbilt’s control of the clock (42:08 to Alabama’s 17:52 total) and ability to finish drives highlighted the first half.
Explosive Third Quarter Sees Vanderbilt Hold Strong
Alabama opened the third quarter with a bang, as quarterback Jalen Milroe used his legs for a 14-yard touchdown run that brought the score to 23-21. With the momentum seemingly shifting in favor of the Crimson Tide, Vanderbilt needed a response—and they delivered.
Junior Sherrill, who had been relatively quiet until that point, made a highlight-reel play with a 36-yard touchdown reception from Diego Pavia, giving Vanderbilt a 30-21 lead. Alabama, however, refused to go away, responding with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to Ryan Williams. By the end of the third quarter, the Commodores clung to a narrow 30-28 lead, with both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest.
Fourth Quarter Heroics
As the game headed into its final stretch, the pressure was palpable. Early in the fourth quarter, Brock Taylor connected on his second field goal of the game, this time from 33 yards out, giving Vanderbilt a bit more breathing room with a 33-28 lead. But the defining drive of the game came soon after.
With five minutes left on the clock, Diego Pavia led a crucial drive, methodically working his way down the field with the help of Vanderbilt’s rushing attack. Pavia capped the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Kamrean Johnson, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to 40-28.
Alabama mounted a final push, scoring on a 2-yard rush by Ryan Williams to make it 40-35. However, Vanderbilt’s defense stood tall in the closing minutes, securing the win with a critical stop on Alabama’s last drive.
Stellar Performances Define the Victory
Diego Pavia’s performance was key to Vanderbilt’s success. The quarterback threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, completing 16 of 20 passes with no interceptions. His poise under pressure, particularly on the game-clinching drive in the fourth quarter, stood out as a defining factor in the upset.
Sedrick Alexander also played a significant role in Vanderbilt’s victory, rushing for 64 yards on 21 carries and finding the end zone twice. The Commodores’ ground game, while not explosive, kept Alabama’s defense honest and allowed Vanderbilt to control the tempo.
On defense, Randon Fontenette made the play of the game with his first-quarter interception return for a touchdown, setting the tone for Vanderbilt’s defensive effort. The Commodores forced a fumble and limited Alabama’s typically potent offense to just 84 rushing yards on 21 attempts, keeping Alabama one-dimensional for much of the game.
Brock Taylor, Vanderbilt’s kicker, was perfect on the day, converting two field goals, including a clutch 51-yarder in the second quarter, which provided crucial points in a tight game.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Vanderbilt improves to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in SEC play, while Alabama falls to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The victory marks Vanderbilt’s first win over Alabama in over 30 years and will serve as a defining moment for the program under head coach Clark Lea.
Next week, Vanderbilt will look to build on this monumental victory when they travel to face Kentucky, while Alabama will look to bounce back in their next matchup against Arkansas. The Commodores, with newfound confidence, will be aiming to use this victory as a springboard for the rest of the season.
