One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Nashville.
Vanderbilt fans stormed the field, tore down the goalpost, and marched it into the
Cumberland River after the Commodores stunned No. 1 Alabama 40-35. A major upset that ended four decades of frustration and marked the program's first-ever win over a top-ranked team.
We got to know quarterback Diego Pavia during last year's matchup. He outplayed then-Heisman contender Jalen Milroe, and coach Clark Lea called it "the dream" for Commodore football. Fast forward to 2025 and it’s no longer a dream.
No. 16 Vanderbilt (5-0) visits 10th-ranked Alabama (3-1) in a top-25 SEC
showdown with major College Football Playoff implications. The Commodores are
undefeated, rolling under fifth-year head coach Clark Lea, while Alabama is seeking revenge and redemption after last season's collapse.
High Stakes in Tuscaloosa
Alabama enters riding a three-game win streak, including a crucial road win last week over Georgia that vaulted them back into the top 10 after getting tossed following the loss to Florida State. First-year starter Ty Simpson has settled in nicely, throwing 11 touchdown passes without a single interception while completing nearly 70% of his attempts.On the other hand, Vanderbilt, has won all five of its games by an average margin of 31 points.
Pavia has been electric, throwing for 1,211 yards and 13 touchdowns while also leading the
team in rushing with 294 yards. His dual-threat ability caused major issues for Alabama last
year, and he’s even better now.
Key matchups to watch
Turnover margin:
Alabama is the only Power Four team without a turnover this season and sits at +7
in turnover margin. Vanderbilt is +5 but has already committed four giveaways. The
Crimson Tide must pressure Pavia and force mistakes, something they failed to do
last year.
Third-down efficiency:
Both teams are among the SEC's best on third down. Vanderbilt ranks second in the
conference, and Alabama is fourth, thanks to elite quarterback play. Commodores
tight end Eli Stowers leads the team in catches (22 for 301 yards), often converting in
critical situations. On Alabama’s side, the trio of Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, and
Isaiah Horton has combined for nine touchdowns and are Simpson’s go-to targets on
money downs.
Coaching edge:
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer improved to 16-3 against ranked opponents
after the win over Georgia. This is just one of five ranked teams left on Alabama’s
schedule as they pursue their first CFP berth since Nick Saban’s final season in
2023.
How to Watch
● Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
● Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
● Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
● TV: ABC
● Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo
Has Alabama finally hit its stride under DeBoer? The last three games say yes. Also, Simpson is rising fast into the Heisman conversation. But Vanderbilt is no pushover. Pavia is a true gamer, and Lea’s defense is disciplined enough to keep it close.
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