Commodores Beat Top-Ranked Alabama, Fans Celebrate on Field \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Vanderbilt pulled off a historic 40-35 victory over No. 1 Alabama, marking their first win against a top-ranked team. Fans stormed the field, tearing down the goal post to celebrate the monumental win. The Commodores made critical plays, including two touchdowns from Sedrick Alexander, to secure this unforgettable triumph.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Quick Looks
- Vanderbilt defeated No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in a shocking upset.
- Fans stormed the field, tearing down the goal post in celebration.
- This was Vanderbilt’s first win over a top-ranked team in program history.
- Sedrick Alexander scored two rushing touchdowns, leading the Commodores.
- Randon Fontenette added a pick-six early in the first quarter.
- Quarterback Diego Pavia outperformed Heisman candidate Jalen Milroe.
- Vanderbilt’s last victory over Alabama on the field was 40 years ago.
- Coach Clark Lea called the win “a dream come true.”
- Alabama struggled with penalties and turnovers, aiding Vanderbilt’s momentum.
- Alabama’s Ryan Williams had two touchdowns, including a 58-yard catch.
- Jalen Milroe’s turnovers led to 13 points for Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt controlled possession for over 42 minutes, frustrating Alabama’s offense.
Deep Look
In one of the most surprising college football outcomes of the season, the Vanderbilt Commodores upset No. 1 Alabama 40-35 on Saturday, earning their first-ever victory over a top-ranked opponent. Fans erupted in celebration, dancing and storming onto the field as they tore down a goal post, carrying it out of the stadium to commemorate the moment. For the Commodores, this victory not only marked a historic achievement but also ended a 40-year drought against Alabama.
The Commodores (3-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) had previously lost all 60 games against AP top-five teams, according to SportRadar. Facing Alabama (4-1, 1-1), they were widely expected to continue this unfortunate trend, especially considering their struggles in past seasons and their history against powerhouse teams. However, led by coach Clark Lea, who played for Vanderbilt during his college years, the team made key plays to stun the nation’s top-ranked program and snap a 23-game losing streak against Alabama.
“This is the dream, right here,” Coach Clark Lea said after the game. “And for the next 12 hours, I’m going to enjoy the dream. We’ve got more ahead of us, but this is what Vanderbilt football needs to be about: Big wins on big stages. We’re going to go get some more.” Lea’s enthusiasm was evident as he acknowledged what this moment means not only for his players but also for the entire Vanderbilt community, who have long hoped for such a significant victory.
The game started strong for the Commodores, who scored the first 13 points and managed to take a 16-point lead, their largest ever against a No. 1-ranked team. Running back Sedrick Alexander opened the scoring by capping Vanderbilt’s first drive with a 7-yard touchdown, marking the first time Vanderbilt had opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown since 2007, back when it was Nick Saban’s second game as Alabama’s head coach.
Vanderbilt capitalized on Alabama’s mistakes throughout the game, which proved to be a major factor in the upset. The Tide played uncharacteristically sloppy football, making errors that helped Vanderbilt maintain their momentum. Alabama had six penalties totaling 57 yards, and the Commodores took advantage of each opportunity. Their aggressive start saw them jump to a 23-7 lead, marking only the second time in the past decade that a No. 1-ranked team trailed an unranked opponent by 16 or more points.
Randon Fontenette gave Vanderbilt an early boost with a pick-six, intercepting Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s tipped pass just over eight minutes into the first quarter and running it back for a 24-yard touchdown. This defensive score gave the Commodores a 13-0 lead and added to the Tide’s mounting frustrations. Milroe’s struggles continued throughout the game, with his turnovers proving costly for Alabama. The Commodores scored 13 points off Milroe’s two turnovers, including a fumble forced by Miles Capers and recovered by Yilanan Ouattara, which set up a touchdown drive that extended Vanderbilt’s lead late in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Diego Pavia was instrumental in Vanderbilt’s success, outplaying Alabama’s Heisman hopeful Jalen Milroe. Pavia, a graduate transfer from New Mexico State, threw a crucial 6-yard touchdown pass to Kamrean Johnson, a native of Alabama, with just over five minutes left in the game, giving Vanderbilt a 40-28 lead. Pavia’s composure under pressure and ability to execute key plays made the difference, especially as Alabama’s defense failed to sack him even once throughout the game.
“Games like this change your life,” Pavia said, clearly moved by the impact of this monumental win. As the game wound down and Pavia took a knee to run out the clock, Vanderbilt players and fans alike began celebrating a victory that seemed almost unimaginable just hours earlier.
Despite Alabama’s attempts to rally, with Milroe connecting on a 58-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Williams and Williams later scoring on an end around to bring Alabama within striking distance, Vanderbilt’s clock management and strong defense prevented the Tide from completing their comeback. Alabama’s offensive yardage outpaced Vanderbilt’s, with the Tide accumulating 312 total yards compared to Vanderbilt’s 252, but the Commodores’ 42 minutes of possession kept Alabama’s offense off the field and limited their opportunities.
Alabama’s sloppy play also contributed to their downfall. Coming off an emotional victory over then-No. 2 Georgia, Alabama looked out of sync, committing too many penalties and mistakes that kept them from gaining control of the game. The Tide’s inability to execute on critical downs, along with missed opportunities in the red zone, allowed Vanderbilt to pull ahead and maintain their advantage.
This loss will likely have major implications for Alabama in the polls, as they are certain to drop from the No. 1 spot after losing to a team that has often been viewed as a perennial underdog in the SEC. Alabama had an impressive record of 64-3 against unranked teams as the AP’s top-ranked team until this unexpected defeat at the hands of Vanderbilt.
For Vanderbilt, this victory is about more than just one game—it represents a culmination of efforts to rebuild the football program. The offseason saw numerous changes, including the addition of Pavia and the decision to bring his head coach and offensive coordinator from New Mexico State. These changes seem to have paid off, as the Commodores showcased their growth and resilience against one of college football’s elite teams. Kicker Brock Taylor also overcame his earlier struggles in the season, making two field goals in this game, including a crucial 51-yarder, which helped solidify Vanderbilt’s lead.
Fans poured onto the field at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, celebrating a win decades in the making. The jubilant crowd tore down a goal post and carried it out of the stadium, marking a cathartic release of the years of frustration against their long-time SEC rival. The images of Commodores fans dancing on the field, goal post in hand, captured the emotion of the day—an underdog team finally toppling a giant.
The final minutes of the game encapsulated everything that makes college football thrilling—the unpredictability, the emotion, and the triumph of a long-shot team achieving greatness. As Vanderbilt celebrated their first win over Alabama in 40 years, Coach Lea, the players, and the fans relished the moment, knowing they had made history.
Poll Implications
Alabama will almost certainly fall from the top ranking after this loss to Vanderbilt, a team historically seen as the underdog in the SEC. This defeat marks only Alabama’s fourth loss against an unranked opponent while being the AP’s top-ranked team, and it signals potential vulnerabilities in their campaign this season.
Takeaways
- Alabama: The Crimson Tide struggled with penalties and errors throughout the game. The team lacked discipline, committing six penalties for 57 yards, and failed to sack Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia even once, limiting their defensive impact. Alabama’s offensive production was insufficient to overcome the multiple mistakes and lapses throughout the game.
- Vanderbilt: Head Coach Clark Lea’s offseason changes proved vital in the win against Alabama. The addition of Diego Pavia as a graduate transfer and the support from his former coaching staff at New Mexico State played a significant role in their success. Special teams also saw improvement, as kicker Brock Taylor found his rhythm, connecting on two key field goals, which helped Vanderbilt seal their victory.
Up Next
Alabama will look to recover as they return home to face South Carolina, needing to reassess and regroup after this unexpected setback. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt will ride the momentum of this historic win as they head to Kentucky, eager to prove that this upset is just the beginning of their resurgence in the Southeastern Conference.
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