When Vanderbilt rolls into Tuscaloosa on Saturday, the conversation won’t be about the Commodores trying to make history. But rather a one-loss Alabama team riding a three-game winning streak.
Tim Tebow wanted to make sure to build up how Clark Lea's team got to this point. The former Heisman winner and SEC analyst spent time on Friday calling out AP Voters for Vanderbilt's low ranking.
“If you change the logo and it’s not Vanderbilt, are they ranked sixteenth?” Tebow said on The Paul Finebaum Show. “They are way higher than that. He went on to say, "That’s a huge test. If they win this game, Vanderbilt is absolutely top ten."
The Commodores (5-0, 1-0 SEC) head into one of the biggest moments in school history. A year ago, Vanderbilt shocked then-No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in Nashville. This time around the stakes are heavier in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide (3-1, 1-0 SEC) broke back into the top ten this week and are coming off another statement win over Georgia. They want to prove last year’s stumble won’t be repeated, especially at home.
Yet, Alabama’s running game remains a concern, ranking near the bottom of the league, while Vanderbilt boasts the SEC’s top rushing attack at 223.4 yards per game.
This contest may be defined by QB play. Vanderbilt' Diego Pavia leads the SEC in pass efficiency (184.6), with 13 touchdowns, while Alabama’s Ty Simpson has quietly been even more precise, completing 82% of his throws over the last three games. Both rank inside the nation’s top 15 for QBR.
Tebow also showed respect for Vandy's progress “You’ve got to give so much credit to Clark Lea,” he said. “He’s totally transformed this program. I love what they are doing offensively.” If Vanderbilt stuns Alabama again, the once overlooked SEC bottom feeder will be celebrated.
Kickoff for the Top 25 battle is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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