Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama for first win ever over a top-5 team

A stunner: Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama for first win ever over a top-5 team

Vanderbilt ended a 40-year losing streak against Alabama, achieving their first victory over a top-five team in program history with a stunning 40-35 win against the No. 1 Crimson Tide.

The Commodores scored a pick-six in the first half and sealed the victory in the fourth quarter after Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe fumbled while being sacked.

Just eight plays after Milroe’s fumble, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia connected with Kamrean Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown on third down. This marked yet another successful third-down conversion for the Commodores on a day filled with them.

Until Saturday, Vanderbilt hadn’t defeated Alabama since a victory in Tuscaloosa in 1984. The series had been lopsided in recent years, with Vanderbilt managing to score only a total of 13 points in the four games against Alabama under Nick Saban’s coaching.

The Commodores reached that milestone in the first quarter on Saturday when Randon Fontenette intercepted a deflected pass and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown.

Alabama narrowed Vanderbilt’s lead to five with a fourth-down touchdown run by freshman standout Ryan Williams late in the game. However, Vanderbilt managed to run out the clock by securing three first downs, denying Alabama the opportunity to score again and win the game.

This victory marks Vanderbilt’s first win over Alabama in 40 years and their first triumph against the Crimson Tide in Nashville since 1976. Alabama had dominated the series with 23 consecutive victories over Vanderbilt since their last win in 1984, and the Commodores came into this game with a record of 0-60 against teams that are ranked in the top five of the AP Top 25.

Diego Pavia reigns supreme in Alabama. Last season, he led New Mexico State to a stunning victory over Auburn, and on Saturday, he propelled Vanderbilt to the most significant win in the program’s history.

Pavia’s transfer to Vanderbilt may not have been one of the most high-profile moves in the transfer portal this season, but it has already proven to be one of the most impactful. He displayed remarkable poise during the game, completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, with only four incompletions. His first touchdown came on a crucial fourth down in the third quarter, while the Commodores were clinging to a narrow two-point lead over Alabama.

Vanderbilt converted 12 of 18 third downs, with Pavia’s touchdown pass being their only fourth-down attempt. Alabama’s defense struggled to get off the field, as Vanderbilt maintained possession for over 40 minutes without committing a turnover, capitalizing on both of Alabama’s turnovers by scoring touchdowns. This combination is a surefire formula for an upset.

A surprising defeat for Alabama
Few would have predicted that Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural loss as Alabama’s coach would occur at Vanderbilt, a team projected to finish last in the 16-team SEC. However, the Commodores are proving to be tenacious and have a legitimate shot at contending for a bowl this season. Meanwhile, Alabama has some adjustments to make.

The Tide played exceptionally well in the first half against Georgia last week but allowed the Bulldogs to take the lead late, setting the stage for Ryan Williams’ heroics. Williams was impressive once more on Saturday, making an incredible touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. However, he and Milroe can’t shoulder the entire burden for Alabama alone.

Milroe completed 19 of 25 passes for 312 yards, connecting with nine different receivers. Williams recorded three receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. However, the rushing attack totaled only 84 yards, and the defense allowed too many significant plays in the passing game.

Alabama’s playoff aspirations are far from over, but the Tide now exemplify the challenges that await all top teams in the SEC. If Alabama can lose on the road to Vanderbilt, it’s difficult to envision any other team finishing the regular season undefeated.