NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a stunning display of determination, the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrated their first-ever victory over a No. 1 ranked team, defeating Alabama 40-35. Fans stormed the field, joyfully tearing down a goalpost and carrying it triumphantly out of the stadium before tossing it into the Cumberland River, marking a historic moment for the program.
Star Performers Lead the Charge
Sedrick Alexander was a standout, rushing for two touchdowns, while Randon Fontenette added a pivotal pick-six to the mix. Quarterback Diego Pavia outshined Heisman contender Jalen Milroe, guiding Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-1) to this monumental win—their first over Alabama in 40 years and a break from their dismal 0-60 record against AP top-five teams since 1936.
“This is a dream come true,” said Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea. “We’ll savor this victory, but we have more to achieve. This is what Vanderbilt football should be about: winning big games on big stages.”
Alabama’s Challenges
Coming off an emotional win against Georgia, Alabama (4-1, 1-1) entered the game as 22.5-point favorites. This upset marks the first time since 2008 that an AP No. 1 team lost as a three-touchdown favorite. First-year Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized the need for resilience: “We’ve faced various tests this season, and now we must respond to this one.”
Vanderbilt took control early, with Alexander scoring a 7-yard touchdown on the opening drive. This was the first time since 2007 that the Commodores scored first against Alabama. The Commodores capitalized on the Tide’s mistakes, converting 12 of 18 third downs and maintaining possession for over 42 minutes.
Game-Changing Moments
Vanderbilt surged to a 23-7 lead, a rare scenario where a No. 1 team trailed an unranked opponent by such a margin. Alabama fought back, narrowing the gap to 30-28 with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to Ryan Williams. However, Vanderbilt quickly responded, scoring 10 unanswered points, including a critical touchdown pass from Pavia to Kamrean Johnson.
Despite Milroe’s late-game efforts, including a 2-yard rushing touchdown, it was too little, too late. As Pavia ran out the clock, the Commodores erupted in celebration, a moment that “changes your life,” according to Pavia.
A Historic Upset
This victory marks the second-largest upset of the season, following Northern Illinois’ win over No. 5 Notre Dame. It stands as the seventh-largest upset in SEC history since 1978, showcasing Vanderbilt’s potential to disrupt the college football landscape.
While Alabama outgained Vanderbilt 312-252 in total yardage, the stats didn’t capture the essence of the game. Vanderbilt’s execution and grit were the keys to their success, leaving Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson with a sobering reminder: “We never want to feel this way again.”
As Vanderbilt revels in this unforgettable triumph, the Commodores are poised to build on their newfound momentum and continue their pursuit of success on the football field.