Vanderbilt stuns top-ranked Alabama, securing Commodores' first-ever win over No. 1 team


The Vanderbilt Commodores recorded arguably the biggest win in program history on Saturday by upsetting top-ranked Alabama 35-40.

The Crimson Tide won the opening toss and deferred. Vanderbilt immediately drove down the field for a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to take the lead.  I

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 football celebrates

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 their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., 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. 

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Jalen Milroe, who put himself among the top Heisman Trophy candidates after he delivered a dazzling performance last week in Tuscaloosa to help hold off Georgia, finished Saturday’s loss with 312 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

vanderbilt football nashville

Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  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.  (Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

Prior to Saturday, Vanderbilt’s last victory over Alabama dates back to Sept. 29, 1984. Alabama had only loss to an unranked opponent on three prior occasions when the Crimson Tide were the top-ranked team in the country.

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Saturday’s improvable win improved Vanderbilt’s record to 3-2, while Alabama suffered its first loss of the season. The Crimson Tide return home next week and will try and bounce back when they take on South Carolina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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