Above Image Credit: Team Speed Kills
When: Saturday, Oct. 4th, 3:30 PM EST
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, AL)
How to Watch: ABC (check your listings)
Alabama takes on undefeated Vanderbilt as they look for revenge from last year’s upset.
Let’s Recall Last Season’s Matchup…
As a fan, this was one of the most shocking upsets ever produced in college football and the UA football franchise.
For as long as anyone could remember, Vanderbilt always found it difficult to get one-up on the Crimson Tide. Before last season, 1993 was the last time they defeated Bama.
Last season took all of us by surprise. First, we watched as Alabama’s first drive of the game ended with a pick six for Vanderbilt. It was just a setback, right? They know they can’t let it happen again. So, the game continues…
Each quarter was but a battle of the Crimson Tide trying to catch up with Vanderbilt. Every time it seems like they’re a touchdown away from taking the lead, Vanderbilt stayed one step ahead. Now, we jump to the 4th quarter with 10:35 left on the clock and Vandy leading 33-28…
Former Bama QB Jalen Milroe made two complete passes as fans continued to watch with sweat flowing down their face. One minute passed, and Milroe ends Bama’s second-to-last play with a fumble. Vandy recovered the ball and scored the touchdown that sealed Bama’s fate as the top-ranked team in the nation.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama: Final Thoughts and Prediction
There is no catching Alabama by surprise this time. QB Ty Simpson has been slightly getting better at his passing game. He’s made 88 completions out of 127 for 1,138 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, they are lacking in both rushing and receiving. The offense has been stepping up slowly, but it’s not enough in this stage of the season. They barely got out of Georgia last week with the 24-21 victory, so they can’t slack off or it will be costly for them.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia has already recorded 94 completions out of 126, 13 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and 1,211 yards this season. He’s also shown to be an efficient rusher with 48 carries for 294 yards and two TDs. Hopefully, we will see the Bama defense doing everything in their power to hold him back since he’s practically the strongest player on the opposing team.
The players and coaches are not be approaching this game as a means of revenge for last year, but some fans like myself are craving for it. We can only hope that Alabama took what happened that fateful day, and insure to not make the same mistakes again, especially if they want a bid at the CFB. After all, that loss was one of the reasons they were out of CFB conversation.
Either way, prepare yourselves for what could be another intense but entertaining chapter in the Vanderbilt vs. Alabama rivalry.
