Vanderbilt recorded its fifth consecutive 20-point win against Utah State, climbing to No. 16 in the AP poll rankings. Quarterback Diego Pavia has put the country on notice, executing offensive coordinator Tim Beck’s offense to perfection and rising in the Heisman rankings on a weekly basis. Vanderbilt has dominated its competition as much as anyone in the nation, and the Commodores will look to assert themselves as a true College Football Playoff contender this Saturday in Tuscaloosa.  

No. 10 Alabama is coming off a statement win over then-No. 5 Georgia. Ever since the Crimson Tide’s Week 1 loss to No. 18 Florida State, they’ve looked like one of the best teams in the nation. This matchup has some extra weight for Alabama, too. It’ll be looking to avenge its shocking 2024 upset loss to Vanderbilt. While Alabama is favored, it’s facing a much stronger Commodore squad than the one it faced last year.  

This is a matchup between two heavyweights, and the result will have massive implications for both programs. Here are three matchups that will play a large role in the outcome this Saturday.  

Vanderbilt’s secondary vs. Alabama’s receiving core 

Vanderbilt’s defense has allowed 205.6 passing yards per game on average this season. Compared to their opponents’ average offensive output, the Commodores have been effective at minimizing the passing game. Although this seems to point toward a strong secondary defense, Vanderbilt’s success here has predominantly come from its strong defensive front. The Commodores’ secondary has shown some signs of weakness: Utah State threw for an efficient 28 of 38, with five different receivers scoring touchdowns. Throughout that game, Vanderbilt’s defensive backs only recorded two pass breakups.  

No. 10 Alabama’s offense is far more explosive than any that Vanderbilt has faced thus far. Alabama has averaged 321.8 passing yards per game, with eight receivers having scored and five with double-digit receptions. Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams is a particularly dangerous deep-ball threat, while senior receiver Germie Bernard is a very reliable option for the Crimson Tide’s offense. In addition, Alabama’s offensive line has performed well in pass blocking, allowing just a single sack against Georgia’s formidable defense last week. 

Vanderbilt hasn’t faced an offensive line of this caliber yet, so the defensive front it has relied on will likely be hampered. The Commodores must bolster their pass coverage, or Williams and Co. will make them pay. 

Vanderbilt’s run game vs. Alabama’s defensive front 

Beck has crafted an incredible offense this season — the Commodores lead the nation in touchdowns so far this season with 33. Most of these touchdowns have come on the ground, which is unsurprising given Vanderbilt averages 223.4 rushing yards per game. Three Commodores have rushed for more than 200 yards so far this year: two-way threat Pavia, lead running back Sedrick Alexander and halfback Makhilyn Young. Vanderbilt’s ability to truly balance the running and passing games has been its key to success so far, as opposing teams have simply had trouble addressing all aspects of Vanderbilt’s offense. 

Alabama’s run defense is average, allowing 160.5 yards per game to rank No. 90 in the nation. Opponents have averaged 4.3 yards per carry against them, which is firmly above the national average. The Crimson Tide allowed 227 rushing yards against No. 12 Georgia last week, whose running attack is similar to Vanderbilt’s.  

If Alabama can’t adjust, Vanderbilt’s run game should light up the stat sheet. It will also help the Commodores win the time-of-possession battle. 

Vanderbilt’s hype vs. the Alabama standard 

Vanderbilt is one of the most exciting programs in college football this year. While its 7-6 record last year showed signs of improvement, very few people expected a 5-0 start in 2025. Week after week, the Commodores exude confidence both on and off the field with stellar performances and creative play calling. For the first time in a long time, Vanderbilt Football is being taken seriously.  

However, beating Alabama on the road is a tall order for this program. Although the Commodores beat then-No. 12 South Carolina in Columbia, a very difficult road environment, the Gamecocks were missing their star quarterback for most of the game. South Carolina doesn’t have the history and prestige of Alabama, though. Although Kalen DeBoer’s tenure as the Tide’s first post-Saban head coach has been shaky, Alabama’s presence as a College Football Playoff contender still feels perennial. Its win against Georgia has further asserted that, and the fanbases’ confidence will be at an all-time high as the Commodores enter Bryant-Denny on Saturday. 

Vanderbilt must overcome an extremely tough road atmosphere, media expectations and history to win this Saturday. If Vanderbilt drowns out the noise, it can stick with Alabama all the way.  

Vanderbilt will look to start 6-0 for the first time since 1905 on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 2:30 p.m. CDT at Bryant-Denny Stadium.