Vanderbilt, you were next.

The week started with Vanderbilt calling out Alabama. Saturday, the Crimson Tide responded with a 59-0 statement, their 68th consecutive victory over an unranked opponent.

It was convincing. It was punishing. It was all Alabama.

And it was over early.

The Tide ran for three touchdowns and more than 120 yards in their best first quarter to date. Four runs went for double digits. Damien Harris’ fourth carry went for a lot more — 61 yards and six points. It was his longest scoring run.

The defense did its part, never allowing the Commodores to cross midfield. No, it still hasn’t scored this season, but it forced two turnovers in the first 15 minutes, the second of which led to Harris’ second touchdown.

The Tide’s 21 first-quarter points were a season-high for any quarter this season.

But they were far from done.

Harris went over the 100-yard mark one minute into the second quarter. Scarbrough added his second rushing touchdown later on the same drive — a 75-yard unimpeded march that included just two passes (both completed).

There was no trickery in Alabama’s scheme or mind-set. They came to Nashville to send their own message to a defensive line that called them out. It was a mauling.

Vanderbilt entered the game having allowed 309 rushing yards and 13 points in three games. Total.

The Tide raced past both figures, 249 of the rushing total coming in the first half alone when they topped their season average of 239.

Any stat could have told the story, but few better than this: Alabama punted twice in the first half. That matched Vanderbilt’s number of first downs.

The second half was a glorified scrimmage, a prelude to the after-party on Broadway for the thousands of Tide fans who made the trek north on I-65 from Tuscaloosa. Calvin Ridley, who dropped a touchdown pass in the first half, moved past Julio Jones into third place on the Tide’s career receptions list. Harris scored again, giving him three touchdowns for the first time.

Tua Tagovailoa relieved Jalen Hurts, and promptly hit Jerry Jeudy for a 34-yard touchdown strike. That pass alone nearly doubled Kyle Shurmur’s output to that point.

He was just getting started. On Bama’s next possession, Tagovailoa followed a rare zone-read keeper with some razzle dazzle. He escaped pressure, spun, stepped up and hit DeVonta Smith in the back of the end zone. The 27-yard TD made it 52-0. It was the 15th time in the Saban era that the Tide topped 50.

Alabama had 501 yards rushing before taking knees to end it.

Vanderbilt wanted Alabama. It got the Tide’s best effort of the season.

Ole Miss, you’re next.