Life in the SEC moves fast. Last year, Vanderbilt shocked the nation with a 40-35 upset over top-ranked Alabama, shaking up the conference and announcing the Commodores had arrived. This year, the tables have turned, but not completely. Surely, Kalen DeBoer‘s Alabama has bounced back and reclaimed its spot among the SEC elite. Yet, unbeaten Vanderbilt remains a contender, fresh off an SEC win at South Carolina. Now, Diego Pavia and his team head to Tuscaloosa, eyeing another statement win. Here’s where the twist comes with a surprising Week 6 update for Alabama.
On September 28, Bama insider Mike Rodak noted Alabama opened as a double-digit favorite over Vanderbilt. Circa Sports gave the Tide a 12-point edge, despite their modest 3-1 record. But by the afternoon, Caesars had trimmed that line from 13 points to 10.5. So, the spread may be shrinking, but make no mistake, Alabama still enters as the favorite against Vandy. But even last year, Alabama walked in as 23.5-point favorites against Vandy, and still walked out with a loss. That’s why the worry lingers. Yet, why are they favored?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Alabama just knocked off Georgia in a 24-21 thriller, and Ty Simpson looked the part. He racked up 276 yards, along with 2 scores through the air, and another with his legs. Although the redshirt junior showed poise, taking just 1 sack, Simpson isn’t satisfied. “We’re not done yet. It starts tomorrow,” he said, already shifting focus to Vanderbilt. The trigger? Last year’s shocking loss to the Commodores still lingers, and now, with Bama sitting at No. 10 in the AP Poll and their only blemish coming against FSU, this feels personal. So, revenge is the mission in Tuscaloosa. But there’s more history that makes this showdown even more compelling.
It’s the first time both teams are ranked in a meeting since 1937: 88 years ago. In fact, Alabama hasn’t faced a ranked Commodore team since 1958. It is safe to say that this battle will have consequences that can shift the legacies of either program, especially of the underdog Vanderbilt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Alabama HC’s mindset ahead of the Vandy game
Heading into Saturday night, all eyes were on Kalen DeBoer. Could the Tide survive the road pressure? Could they weather adversity and still come out swinging? But in Athens, DeBoer’s message was simple. “You’re gonna take some punches. What’s your response gonna be? Our response was to punch back—and punch back harder,” he said. And that’s exactly what his team did. More importantly, Alabama looked like a well-coached machine.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Even when it isn’t perfect execution, just felt like there was an attitude and energy that our guys had,” added DeBoer. Alabama’s defense set the tone with key stops, while the offense methodically moved the chains. And then when Georgia broke through late in the 1st half, the Tide struck back without missing a beat. Even when the offense stumbled in the 2nd half, the defense stepped up. Now, with a big win over Georgia in the books, Alabama carries confidence as they enter the game against Vanderbilt.
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
DeBoer’s mindset is clear. “There’s gonna be no regrets when we walk off the football field, because we gave it everything we had.” Now, if they can do this against Georgia, the Commodores should expect the same Tide mentality on Saturday.