No. 3 Alabama avoided a letdown, defeating Vanderbilt 21-6 on the road.
Early on, it looked like the Commodores were primed to repeat their 2024 upset, but the Crimson Tide’s defense kept Vanderbilt in check, helping Alabama survive and keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Crimson Tide improves to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the SEC.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Scoreless First Quarter
For the third time this year, Alabama was held scoreless in the first quarter. The other two times were in losses to Georgia and Tennessee. This time, Alabama avoided a third loss, overcoming another sluggish offensive start. The Crimson Tide were unable to generate much offense early against Vanderbilt's defense, managed just three first downs in the first 15 minutes, and had to rely on short passes because the run game was nonexistent.
Defense Continues To Dominate
Alabama’s defense continues to bail out the team every week. If the offense turns the ball over in its own territory, the defense shows up and holds the opposition to a field goal or fewer almost every time. Week after week, the unit stalls the opponent’s offense, just waiting on Alabama's offense to get its act together and score enough points to win. The Crimson Tide defense put on a show on Saturday, holding Vanderbilt to just 32 yards of offense in the first half. The defense continued the momentum into the second half and kept Vanderbilt out of the end zone, allowing just six points and 235 yards for the game. If defenses truly win championships, this team has a chance.
Russell Plays Through Injury
Keelon Russell suffered an ankle injury in the LSU game and was listed as probable on the injury report the entire week. Backup Austin Mack was seen taking most of the first-team reps in practice and was expected to make his first career start at Alabama. Russell went through pregame warmups, and the coaches apparently felt he responded well enough to earn the start. Through the air, Russell racked up 217 passing yards, throwing for three touchdowns and an interception. The ankle appeared to be fine, as Russell had to use his legs multiple times to avoid pressure.
Run Game Still Not Fixed
With a banged-up quarterback and facing inferior competition, this was the week many thought they would see Alabama get its run game back on track. Once again, Crimson Tide fans were left disappointed. Alabama was unable to get any traction on the ground early, and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb abandoned the run as he has in almost every game this season. Daniel Hill showed some signs of life, rushing 14 times for 89 of the Crimson Tide’s 92 yards.
Defense Doesn’t Produce A Turnover
For the first time this season, the Alabama defense was unable to force a turnover. The Crimson Tide defense has been automatic all year, forcing at least one turnover a game and multiple in most games. Despite not forcing a turnover, the defense stepped up, holding Vanderbilt out of the end zone and limiting the Commodores to 3 of 19 on third- and fourth-down conversions.
Alabama will host Chattanooga on November 21 at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.
