The Vanderbilt Commodores recorded arguably the biggest win in program history Saturday by upsetting top-ranked Alabama, 40-35
The Crimson Tide won the opening toss and deferred. And Vanderbilt immediately drove down the field for a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to take the lead.Â
It was the first time since 2007 Vandy had opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown, and that was Nick Saban’s second game as coach. Alabama rallied and won that day 24-10.
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Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (Denny Simmons/The Tennessean/USA Today)
The Commodores carried a 23-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Vanderbilt added 17 points in the second half and held off a furious comeback attempt from No. 1 Alabama to secure the upset victory in Nashville.Â
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Jalen Milroe, among the top Heisman Trophy candidates after he delivered a dazzling performance last week in Tuscaloosa to hold off Georgia, finished Saturday’s loss with 312 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) hands the ball off to running back AJ Newberry (23) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville Oct. 5, 202. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Images)
Prior to Saturday, Vanderbilt last defeated Alabama Sept. 29, 1984.
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Saturday’s improbable win improved Vanderbilt’s record to 3-2, while Alabama lost for the first time. The Crimson Tide return home next week and will try to bounce back against South Carolina.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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