Vanderbilt Pulls Off Historic Upset Over Alabama, Shakes Up SEC Landscape

In a stunning turn of events in college football yesterday, Vanderbilt University shocked the sports world by defeating the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, 40-35, marking a historic milestone for the Commodores. This victory, which was only Vanderbilt's second win in the SEC since the end of the 2019 season, represents a seismic shift in the program’s trajectory and further cements the unpredictability of this year's college football landscape.

The game, characterized by explosive plays and high-stakes drama, featured a standout performance from Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He completed an impressive 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, boasting an astonishing 80% completion rate—the highest by any opposing quarterback against Alabama since 2010. With this win, Vanderbilt not only broke its 60-game losing streak against AP top-5 teams, a record dating back to 1936. 

On the other side, Alabama's Jalen Milroe had a solid outing with 312 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 10 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Jam Miller contributed significantly in the backfield, adding two rushing touchdowns and 45 yards, while the 17 year old Ryan Williams highlighted Alabama’s receiving corps with 82 yards and a 58 yard touchdown reception.

Despite a strong performance from the Crimson Tide, who dropped to a 4-1 record following the loss, it was the Commodores who seized the moment. The last time Vanderbilt faced Alabama, they managed to score only a fraction of what they accomplished this time around. The victory not only boosts Vanderbilt’s record to 3-2 but also gives them newfound momentum as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

This game could very well be the turning point for Vanderbilt’s football program. This moment will carry them throughout the rest of the season. With players like Sedrick Alexander, who rushed for 64 yards and scored two touchdowns, and Eli Stowers, who tallied 113 yards on six catches, the Commodores displayed a well-rounded offensive effort that caught Alabama off guard.

As Vanderbilt celebrates this momentous victory, the focus now shifts to the upcoming showdown with Kentucky, a team who had just upsetted #12 Ole Miss last week. With their newfound confidence and a historic win under their belt, nobody should stand in their way. Especially coming off of some tough one score losses to #9 Mizzou and a solid Virginia Tech team, where in both games they lost in overtime. 
This matchup will certainly have the eyes of college football fans glued to their screens, as Vanderbilt looks to ride the wave of momentum while Alabama aims to rebound and reassert its dominance in the SEC. The landscape of college football has

Author

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer