Entering Saturday's game, Vanderbilt was 0-60 all-time against opponents ranked in the top five. Alabama comes to town ranked No. 1, and with a thrilling win against Georgia a week ago, it looked like they would add to that streak by one more this weekend.
However, someone forgot to inform the Commodore.
Vanderbilt built a 23-14 lead by the halftime break and held on until the end to pull off a 40-35 upset of the Crimson Tide.
The first sign of danger for Alabama came on the first drive of the game. After Vanderbilt took the first kickoff and gained 75 yards in 10 plays to a touchdown, Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide offense took the field.
In the blink of an eye, Vanderbilt was up 13-0.
Milroe's pass to freshman Ryan Williams was deflected into the air and into the waiting arm of Landon Fontenette, who returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. Vanderbilt missed the PAT, but the Commodores had an early 13-0 lead.
Alabama slowly worked its way back into contention, and after trailing 23-14 at halftime, Milroe's touchdown run brought the game to one point.
But Vanderbilt had an answer. After both teams traded punts, the Commodores took a 23-21 lead late in the third quarter, facing No. 4 and 1 in Alabama territory. Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lee left his offense on the field and put the ball in the hands of quarterback Diego Pavia.
That would be a wise decision:
Pavia got off a run fake and hit a deep shot in the direction of wide receiver Junior Sherrill, who ran under the throw for a spectacular touchdown to give Vanderbilt a 30-21 lead. .
Almost immediately, Alabama once again made it a one-score game thanks to more heroics from its young wide receiver.
In a near-repeat of his touchdown against the Bulldogs last week, Williams reeled in Milroe's throw, ran through two defenders and scored a 58-yard touchdown, giving Alabama some new life.
Vanderbilt made a field goal on the next possession to make it 33-28, but the Crimson Tide was able to get back in Vanderbilt territory in just two plays.
But the third play of the drive ended in disaster.
Pass rusher Miles Capers beat the right tackle off the edge to get to Milroe, and his hit deflected the ball. Ylanan Ouattara went down on loose football and the Commodores stole the ball.
Vanderbilt scored on its next possession, building a 40-28 lead on a throw from Pavia to Kamryan Johnson.
Alabama scored on its next possession, with a short touchdown run by Williams cutting Vanderbilt's lead to 40-35. However, the Crimson Tide couldn't get the stops they needed and Vanderbilt was able to run out the clock. The key play on the final possession was Pavia's own run to keep Vanderbilt's offense off the field and take advantage of the remaining time.
After the game, Pavia was elated after completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. ESPN Alyssa Lang says, “Games like this change lives.''
That's not all he said.
After the game, Lee said along with Lang, “This is the dream here.” “And for the next 12 hours, I'm going to enjoy the dream.”
Enjoy your dreams, Vanderbilt.
