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Vanderbilt knocks off No. 1 Alabama in stunner: One of the biggest upsets in SEC college football history

Vanderbilt pulled off one of the biggest upsets in SEC history on Saturday, downing No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at home. This is Vanderbilt's first win against a top-five opponent, and its first win against Alabama since 1984. The Commodores' 40 points are also the most they've ever scored against a top-five team, and the most they've put up against Alabama since a 78-0 win in 1906. 

Entering Saturday's game as a 23.5-point underdog, the Commodores jumped out to an early 13-0 lead thanks to a litany of mistakes from Alabama -- including a pick six thrown by quarterback Jalen Milroe -- and extended that to a 20-7 advantage on a scoring drive that saw Alabama gift the Commodores two free third-down conversions with 15-yard penalties. 

But the Crimson Tide roared back in those crucial minutes between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. Alabama scored on both its last drive in the first half and its first drive in the second half to cut Vanderbilt's lead to 23-21. 

Just as it seemed momentum was swinging away, the Commodores buckled down. Quarterback Diego Pavia completed a gutsy 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Junior Sherrill on fourth-and-1 in Alabama territory, bringing the lead back to two possessions at 30-21. 

From there, the Commodores matched every blow that Alabama threw at them, and Pavia was special down the stretch. His 6-yard touchdown toss to Kamrean Johnson with just over 5 minutes left put the game out of reach for Alabama, even though the Crimson Tide battled back late. 

He also passed for a first down and rushed for another on Vanderbilt's final drive of the game, which allowed the Commodores to drain almost 3 minutes off of the clock and eventually kneel out the win. Pavia finished with 309 total yards of offense and two passing touchdowns. 

  • In addition to Vanderbilt setting a record for points scored against a top-five team, this is just the second time it has ever scored at least 30 points against such an opponent. 
  • Prior to Saturday's result, Vanderbilt was 0-60 all-time against the top five. Fifty of those 60 losses were by double digits. 
  • Vanderbilt was also 0-10 all-time against AP No. 1 teams and were outscored by 267 points in those 10 games. 
  • Vanderbilt was outscored 100-0 in its previous two meetings against top-ranked Alabama. 
  • This is just the fourth time in program history that Alabama has lost to unranked team as the No. 1 team in the nation. 

CBS Sports will update this story shortly with takeaways from Vanderbilt's stunning win over Alabama below. 

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Alabama still has everything in front of it 

Vanderbilt 40, No. 1 Alabama 35 

Saturday's result is shocking, and the Crimson Tide are reeling, but it by no means eliminates Alabama from contention -- for anything. A win against Georgia can carry Alabama far in the SEC Championship Game race. Though the top of the field is loaded, with the likes of Texas, Tennessee and the Bulldogs contending, Alabama will have plenty of opportunities to bounce back. 

Its schedule features four games against ranked teams over the last month and change. Three of those do come on the road, but that's plenty of opportunity to make a statement. 

The 12-team field means that Alabama could easily survive another loss, especially with such a difficult schedule working in its favor in this instance. Provided that none of those losses are blowouts, and none come against another unranked team. 

Oct 6, 2024, 12:20 AM
Oct. 05, 2024, 8:20 pm EDT
 
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Alabama's defense has issues 

Since Alabama jumped out to its 28-0 lead against Georgia, the Crimson Tide have allowed 74 points in their last seven quarters of play. To be fair, seven of those were due to a Vanderbilt pick-six early in Saturday's game, so the defense has technically surrendered 67 points. That's still not a great number. 

It's more than just one issue, too. What stood out Saturday was Alabama's lack of discipline. Vanderbilt was able to take a 20-7 lead after two 15-yard Alabama penalties gave the Commodores free third-down conversions -- one of which was on third-and-11. There were some secondary breaks that Vanderbilt was able to take advantage of. 

Alabama's pass rush was also a non-factor. The Crimson Tide were held without a sack for the first time this season. A lot of that was because Vanderbilt's plays developed quickly, and Pavia's ability to escape makes him hard to bring down. 

It was also surprising how easily Vanderbilt was able to win at the line of scrimmage. The Commodores' ball-control approach worked because they didn't fall too far behind the chains very often. That means Alabama was unable to disrupt and adjust when it needed to. With some explosive offenses down the line, Alabama's defense is reeling, with plenty of problems to sort through. 

Oct 6, 2024, 12:16 AM
Oct. 05, 2024, 8:16 pm EDT
 
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Diego Pavia is a winner 

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's final stat line is impressive. He completed 16 of his 20 passes for 252 yards and two crucial touchdowns. He kept the chains moving by rushing for 56 yards on 20 carries. But a play-by-play examination shows his true impact. 

Pavia had many key moments that preserved the win for the Commodores. His 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Junior Sherrill on fourth-and-1 in Alabama territory stymied Alabama's momentum after it scored two touchdowns in the 10 minutes between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. 

Later, Pavia hit Kamrean Johnson for a 6-yard score to give Vanderbilt a crucial 40-28 lead. Without that, Vanderbilt is playing from behind in the final three minutes, rather than playing ball control. 

On that crucial final drive, Pavia literally iced the game. With pressure in his face on second-and-12, he dumped a pass to running back Sedrick Alexander, who turned up the field and got 19 yards -- and a first down -- leading into the final two-minute timeout. Needing just one more first down to end it, Pavia took off for eight yards on second-and-7 a couple of plays later. 

From there, Pavia took a couple of well-deserved knees and celebrated with the fans storming the field inside FirstBank Stadium. 

Oct 6, 2024, 12:04 AM
Oct. 05, 2024, 8:04 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt's offensive masterpiece 

Vanderbilt had its fair share of explosive plays and "Wow" moments that are sure to make an exciting highlight reel, but the Commodores ultimately won Saturday by sitting on the football and taking what Alabama's defense gave them. 

It was an excellent game plan from offensive coordinator Tim Beck, who knew that the Crimson Tide -- led by the exciting duo of quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Ryan Williams -- can score with anyone in the nation. Vanderbilt ran the ball 54 times, averaging 3.1 yards per carry -- which is just short of a first down on a three-down basis -- compared to just 21 pass attempts. 

When the Commodores did throw the ball, outside of a couple designed deep shots, it was with enough space to allow the receiver to go down in bounds and keep the clock grinding away. Vanderbilt held the ball for 42:08 of the game's 60 minutes. Seven of its nine drives took at least seven plays and six of its nine drives ate at least four minutes off of the clock. 

Keeping Alabama off the field for over 20 minutes, in a 60-minute game, is a winning strategy. All credit to Beck and his staff for their smart approach. 

Oct 5, 2024, 11:58 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:58 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt stuns No. 1 Alabama 

Vanderbilt pulled off one of the biggest upsets in SEC history Saturday evening, downing No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at home. This is Vanderbilt's first win against a top-5 opponent in program history. It's also the program's first win on the field against Alabama since 1984. The Commodores' 40 points are also the most they've ever scored against a top-5 team, and the most they have scored against Alabama since a 78-0 win in 1906. 

Oct 5, 2024, 11:47 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:47 pm EDT
 
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Alabama turns to Williams again 

Late 4Q: Vanderbilt 40, No. 1 Alabama 35 

There's no other way to say it: Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is a weapon. Facing a make-or-break fourth down near Vanderbilt's goal line, the Crimson Tide turned to the 17-year old to go make a play. As we have come to expect, he delivered. Williams took a reverse toss around the edge and sprinted into the end zone from two yards out to keep Alabama's hopes alive. 

The Crimson Tide still have all three timeouts and the two-minute timeout to work with. But Vanderbilt has been able to play possession all game, so stopping the Commodores early will be crucial if Alabama wants to steal at least one more possession.

Oct 5, 2024, 11:34 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:34 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt might just do it 

Late 4Q: Vanderbilt 40, No. 1 Alabama 28 

If Alabama's Week 5 win against Georgia taught us anything, it's that college football games can change on a dime. But Vanderbilt is now in great shape to pull off one of the biggest upsets in SEC history. The Commodores got the ball back after the defense forced a strip sack and took full advantage of the momentum-changing play, marching down the field in seven plays to score a crucial touchdown. Diego Pavia's 6-yard touchdown pass to Kamrean Johnson put the 'Dores up by two possessions with just over five minutes left in the game. 

Vanderbilt's 40 points are the most it has ever scored against a top-5 team. 

Oct 5, 2024, 11:24 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:24 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt's defense making plays 

Amid an explosive third quarter, it's easy to forget that there are defenses on the field. Let Vanderbilt remind you. After kicking a field goal to extend their lead back to five points, the Commodores' defense just made a huge play. Vanderbilt edge rusher Miles Capers ripped into backfield and laid a big hit on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who fumbled the ball. The Commodores were able to jump on it and take possession around midfield with a 33-28 lead and just over nine minutes to play. 

Oct 5, 2024, 11:14 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:14 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt tacks on to its lead 

Early 4Q: Vanderbilt 33, No. 1 Alabama 28 

Points, points and more points. This time, at least, it wasn't an explosive touchdown. It looked for a second as if Vanderbilt may have scored on a quick screen pass to Richie Hoskins, but it was called back due to offensive holding. The Commodores were unable to convert on the ensuing third-and-long and Brock Taylor trotted out for the 33-yard field goal. That was a big kick for Taylor, who missed an extra point earlier in the game and has struggled with consistency this year. It also makes it a bit harder for Alabama's offense, which must now go for a touchdown if it wants to take the lead. 

Oct 5, 2024, 11:09 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 7:09 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt battling Alabama

End 3Q: Vanderbilt 30, No. 1 Alabama 28 

Alabama should do the "throw it up to Ryan Williams" play some more because only good things can happen. On third-and-7 from its own 42-yard line, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe hit Williams, who out-jumped one Vanderbilt defender and somehow stayed in bounds, for a 58-yard touchdown. Williams has a knack for stepping up when his team needs him the most. Quite a quality for a true freshman. 

The Commodores are close to striking right back, though. Quarterback Diego Pavia hit a shovel pass to tight end Eli Stowers for a gain of 33 yards to end the third quarter. Vanderbilt has utilized that play well a few times throughout the evening, and Alabama has yet to have an answer for it. 

Buckle up for what's sure to be a thrilling final 15 minutes -- nothing new for a Kalen DeBoer-coached team. 

Oct 5, 2024, 10:56 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 6:56 pm EDT
 
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Vanderbilt not backing down 

Late 3Q: Vanderbilt 30, No. 1 Alabama 21 

This game looked as if it may have been slipping out of Vanderbilt's grasp after Alabama cut the deficit with one possession with an easy touchdown lead to start the second half. But the Commodores clearly aren't going anywhere. On fourth-and-1 from Alabama's 36-yard line, Vanderbilt dialed up a gutsy call by having quarterback Diego Pavia take a deep shot. 

He delivered, and then some. Pavia lofted uncorked a bomb to wide receiver Junior Sherrill, who raced under it and caught it with his fingertips for a 36-yard touchdown. Game on from Nashville. 

Oct 5, 2024, 10:50 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 6:50 pm EDT
 
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Alabama catches a break 

On third-and-9 from Alabama's 50-yard line, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia uncorked a deep ball to wide receiver Junior Sherrill. Sherrill was running behind Alabama's secondary and had green grass in front of him. But he made a poor adjustment as the ball was in the air and, in a bad position, watched the pass bounce off of his fingertips. It would have been a huge first down, deep into Alabama territory -- if not a touchdown -- for the Commodores. Instead, they were forced to punt. It was a great boot for Vanderbilt's Jesse Mirco, who pinned Alabama at its own 4-yard line. 

Oct 5, 2024, 10:37 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 6:37 pm EDT
 
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That was easy for Alabama 

Early 3Q: Vanderbilt 23, No. 1 Alabama 21 

Momentum is slowly creeping towards the Tide's side. Alabama has put its messy mistakes in the past and looks more akin to the top-ranked team that we're used to seeing. It certainly didn't take Kalen DeBoer's squad very long to score on their opening drive in the second half. Quarterback Jalen Milroe raced in from 14 yards out, following a convoy of blockers, to cut Vanderbilt's advantage to just one score. 

It took Alabama just five plays to go 49 yards down the field. The Crimson Tide had three plays of at least 10 yards. About as easy as it comes, in terms of scoring drives. 

Oct 5, 2024, 10:26 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 6:26 pm EDT
 
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Alabama opens the second half 

Alabama's offense takes the field first in the second half, and it will have excellent field position after return man Emmanuel Henderson took the ball all the way to Vanderbilt's 49-yard line. The Crimson Tide took momentum into halftime with a 9-play scoring drive, and they now have a prime opportunity to cut Vanderbilt's lead to just one possession for the first time since midway through the first quarter. 

Oct 5, 2024, 10:20 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 6:20 pm EDT
 
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No Saban the difference? 

Vanderbilt scored 13 points combined in its four games against former Alabama coach Nick Saban. The Commodores reached that total in the first quarter Saturday against Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide. Vanderbilt ran the ball efficiently -- averaging almost five yards per carry on its first drive -- and quarterback Diego Pavia didn't back down from the challenge. He completed six of his nine pass attempts for 96 yards, 48 of which went to tight end Eli Stowers. 

Oct 5, 2024, 9:57 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 5:57 pm EDT
 
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Messy football from Alabama

Not to discredit Vanderbilt, which has moved the ball well offensively and taken advantage of the opportunities it has been given, but Alabama hurt itself plenty over the first 30 minutes. The Commodores scored their second touchdown when Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe forced a ball into coverage. It was intercepted off the carom by defensive back Randon Fontenette and returned 24 yards for the score. 

Then, on Vanderbilt's next offensive drive, two 15-yard Alabama penalties gave Vanderbilt free third-down conversions. Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams also dropped a third-down pass of his own, allowing Vanderbilt to take over with favorable field position and kick the 51-yard field goal that gave it its 23-14 lead. 

Oct 5, 2024, 9:50 PM
Oct. 05, 2024, 5:50 pm EDT
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