Vanderbilt stunned Alabama 40-35 on Saturday, marking the Commodores’ first win over the nation’s top-ranked team.
Sedrick Alexander led the charge with two rushing touchdowns, while Randon Fontenette added a Pick-6, and quarterback Diego Pavia outshined Alabama’s Heisman Trophy candidate Jalen Milroe. This victory ended Vanderbilt’s 60-game losing streak against AP Top-5 teams, a record that had stretched back to 1936.
It was also the Commodores’ first win over Alabama in 40 years, giving coach Clark Lea and his alma mater their biggest triumph in program history.
Vanderbilt set the tone early by scoring on the opening drive with a 7-yard TD run by Alexander, marking the first time since 2007 that they had opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown.
Despite Alabama’s attempt to rally, the Tide’s mistakes, penalties, and sloppy play allowed Vanderbilt to capitalize, building a 30-28 lead by the third quarter. Milroe’s turnovers, including a strip sack by Miles Capers that led to a Vanderbilt recovery, helped the Commodores pad their lead.
Pavia sealed the win with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Alabama native Kamrean Johnson, extending the lead to 40-28 with just over five minutes left.
Alabama tried to mount a final comeback, with Ryan Williams scoring on a 2-yard end-around, but Vanderbilt held the ball for the remainder of the game, running out the clock as their fans and players celebrated the upset victory.
Despite Alabama’s 312-252 yardage advantage, Vanderbilt’s control of the game, holding the ball for over 42 minutes, proved decisive. Milroe’s two turnovers and Fontenette’s Pick-6 early in the first quarter helped the Commodores build an early 13-0 lead, and Alabama was unable to recover. Vanderbilt never trailed in this historic victory.
