NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There are only a few times in one’s life when they know they are witnessing history, and Vanderbilt’s 40-35 win over No. 1/2-ranked Alabama on Saturday was just that for a sell-out crowd at FirstBank Stadium.
The victory over the No. 1/2 Crimson Tide marks the first time in program history that the Commodores defeated the top-ranked team in the nation. Vandy was previously 0-10 against No. 1-ranked teams. Additionally, it is the school’s first win over a top-five team.
Quarterback Diego Pavia collected 308 total yards in the win over the Tide, as the graduate transfer tossed for 252 yards and two touchdowns. It is the fourth game this season that Pavia has scored multiple touchdowns, while it was the second time he has thrown for over 250 yards in a game at Vandy. Tight end Eli Stowers had a game-high 113 receiving yards on six receptions.
The Dores outgained Alabama in rushing yards, 166-84, led by Sedrick Alexander’s 64 yards. The sophomore added a pair of scores on the ground, marking the first time Alexander has rushed for two touchdowns this season.
Vanderbilt controlled the clock for most of the night against Alabama, as Vandy held the ball for 42:08 compared to the Crimson Tide’s 17:52.
The Dores came out swinging and never trailed the Tide on Saturday. Vandy opened the game by driving 75 yards downfield, as Alexander punched it in from seven yards out. It was the first touchdown scored against Alabama in the first quarter this season. The Vanderbilt defense extended the Commodore lead to 13-0 after Randon Fortenette’s pick-six off a tipped pass by De’Rickey Wright.
Alabama got on the board at the 4:22 mark of the first quarter to make it a 13-7 contest. Vanderbilt answered as Alexander darted into the endzone from a 1-yard out that gave the Dores a 20-7 lead. Alexander’s touchdown capped off a 17-play drive that went 75 yards and took 9:50 off the clock.
Vanderbilt took a 23-14 lead late in the second quarter thanks to a 51-yard field goal by sophomore Brock Taylor. It was the third time this season that Taylor has been successful from 50 yards or deeper, which is the first time a Commodore has accomplished the feat on record.
Alabama bookended halftime with a pair of touchdowns of its own to make it a two-point game at 23-21 with 12:01 left in the third quarter.
Pavia led the Commodores down the field on the ensuing possession and faced a 4th-and-1 at the Alabama 36-yard line. With the Crimson Tide bringing pressure, the Commodore quarterback lofted a pass down the field that found the hands of Junior Sherill in the endzone to make it a 30-21 contest late in the third.
Alabama punched back with a 58-yard dart to Ryan Williams to pull back within two points at 30-28. The Dores extended their lead to 33-28 midway through the fourth quarter after Taylor drilled a 33-yard field goal.
Pavia gave Vanderbilt a commanding 40-28 lead with 5:26 left to play in the game after he found Kamrean Johnson for a six-yard score to cap off a 7-play, 53-yard drive that milked 4:29 off the clock.
The Crimson Tide responded yet again with a quick score to pull back within five points at 40-35 with 2:21 left in the contest. Vanderbilt was able to run out the clock on the next possession to secure the historic five-point victory over the No. 1-ranked team in the nation to send the Music City into pandemonium.
Vanderbilt returns to action Saturday as the Commodore travels north to Kroger Field to take on Kentucky. Kickoff against the Wildcats is set for 6:45 p.m. CT.
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