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ESPN’s Bill Connelly published a story on Tuesday celebrating the best 100 games from the 2024 college football season.
Of course, one of the most memorable games in recent years landed the top spot: Vanderbilt’s improbable upset of Alabama from back in October. It was Vandy’s first win over the Tide since 1984 and its first victory in this series in Nashville since 1969.
Here’s an excerpt of analysis from Connelly:
The Commodores led 23-7, and every time the Tide would charge back, Vandy would respond. Ryan Williams’ 58-yard touchdown catch made it 30-28 Vandy late in the third quarter, but the Commodores responded with a field goal, a sack-and-strip fumble recovery, and a Diego Pavia-to-Kamrean Johnson touchdown with 5:07 left. Williams scored again to bring Bama within five points, but an eight-yard Pavia run on second-and-7 allowed Vandy to kneel out the game and trigger an incredible celebration.
Looking ahead to 2025, Vanderbilt will have hopes of raising its level even higher. Diego Pavia will be back with the Commodores again next fall and will try to pull off a second consecutive win over the Crimson Tide. Vandy has not won back-to-back games against Alabama since 1955-56.
Alabama was also involved in the second-best game of the year, per ESPN’s list. Connelly has Alabama’s dramatic win over Georgia — which took place a week before the loss to Vandy — as the No. 2 game of the season.
Alabama will look for its revenge against Vanderbilt on Oct. 4 in Tuscaloosa.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
