While Vanderbilt may not be the perennial favorite in the SEC, it certainly has a knack for playing spoiler. Last season, the Commodores shocked the college football world by toppling Alabama, and the Commodores are looking to do it again, bringing an even stronger roster. Prior to that stunning upset, Alabama held a commanding 63-18-4 record against Vanderbilt, boasting a decade-long streak. But then chaos ensued—and Diego Pavia emerged as a game-changer.
As the Dores roll into Bryant-Denny Stadium with an impressive 5-0 record—having secured decisive victories over South Carolina and Virginia Tech—they face their toughest test yet. On the other hand, Alabama has rebounded impressively since its loss to Florida State and is coming off a hard-fought 24-21 victory against Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs.
So how will this clash unfold in T-Town? FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently weighed in.
“The one thing I’m going to lean on here is that Alabama is terrific at home,” Klatt said.
The X-factor for Vanderbilt has undoubtedly been veteran quarterback Diego Pavia. With over 1,200 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing an impressive 75% of his passes, he’s proven himself capable of leading his team effectively. Yet, Alabama’s defense has tightened up significantly since that fateful loss to the Seminoles; they haven’t allowed more than 155 passing yards per game during this stretch.
“(Vanderbilt) will get the full attention from this Bama team. Bama is 35-1 in their last 36 at home. So I like Bama to win, but I like Diego Pavia and this Vanderbilt team to stay close in this game. So I think Bama wins this one,” Klatt added.
In addition to picking the winner straight up, Klatt also made a spread pick. Alabama is favored by 10.5 points.
“I’m going to take that half point and say 31-21 Bama wins,” Klatt said. “They beat Vandy, but not by more than 10.5 (points). So I’m going to take the points and take Vandy against the spread.”
This matchup promises to be an eye-for-an-eye battle; Vanderbilt won’t back down easily and possesses enough talent to challenge the Tide even in Tuscaloosa. However, despite their momentum, the Commodores haven’t faced a passing attack as potent as what Alabama is set to unleash upon them. Both defenses have struggled to get off the field lately; however, there’s simply no underestimating the Tide when they’re at home.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET, broadcasting live on ABC.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
