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Following an action-packed game for the Crimson Tide, No. 1 Alabama is travelling to Nashville for a matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The teams last faced off in 2022, when Alabama cruised to a 55-3 win. The Commodores have not defeated the Crimson Tide since 1984.
Although this is Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer‘s first year with the Crimson Tide, this is not the first time he’ll face Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea.
Week 5 Rundown
Last week, Alabama faced then-No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs in a dramatic game. The Crimson Tide had an early lead, going into the second half up 30-7. However, as the Bulldogs caught up, the fight continued into the final seconds, when true freshman Ryan Williams caught the game-winning touchdown.
HE IS HIM.🤫@Ryanwms1
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/TEvs07ca3t
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 29, 2024
The win over Georgia gave Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) the No. 1 spot in The Associated Press poll, but DeBoer said his team’s focus is not on rankings, but the next game.
Vanderbilt used the fifth week to prepare its players for a strong opponent. Coming off the bye week, the Commodores are looking to redeem themselves after a 30-27 overtime loss to the No. 9 Missouri Tigers.
Game Preview
The teams are fresh off close games against top-10 contenders.
Although Alabama faces an unraked Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1), DeBoer said he was impressed with Lea’s program.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has proved to overcome adversity in game-defining moments. In their matchup against the Tigers, Pavia threw for 178 yards. However, it was a 31-yard field goal that sealed the win for Missouri.
Still, Alabama is coming off a mood-setting win that placed them at the top of college football. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe threw for 374 yards, completing 27 out of 33 passes. Combined with Alabama’s skillful wide receivers, the Crimson Tide will prove difficult to defend.
The teams will face off Saturday. Kickoff is at 4:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
