(Photo: Pro Football Network)
Saturday Spotlight
(16) Vanderbilt Commodores at (10) Alabama Crimson Tide
Vanderbilt (5-0):
What a story they’ve been in the sport. In a conference full of heavy hitters, Vanderbilt has found its footing and made a name for itself. Clark Lea is in his fifth year with the program, and I can confidently say the future looks bright. Last season, they finished 7-6 with a 3-5 record in conference play—and if you want to be anyone in the SEC, you have to win those conference games. They’re never easy, but they’re always a battle. It’s one thing to study film and highlights of a team, but seeing them in live game action is something entirely different. The strength of this Vanderbilt Commodores team is, hands down, their offense—anchored by quarterback Diego Pavia. Diego played some of his college football at New Mexico State before coming to play for Coach Lea, and I believe the move has been the best thing for his career. Now in a much tougher conference, he’s made a real name for himself. Pavia plays with confidence. He can beat defenses from the pocket or on the move. What I respect most is his fearlessness—he’ll run the ball when necessary. This Vandy offense can flat-out score, averaging 49 points per game. They also boast one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC. Defensively, they’ve been solid as well, holding opponents to just 17 points per contest. They’ve gotten the job done with consistent play on both sides of the ball. Today, they head to Tuscaloosa for a huge SEC battle.
Alabama (3-1):
After the Week 1 loss to Florida State, I was left speechless. It felt as if when Nick Saban retired, he took Alabama’s grit and toughness with him. Since then, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Tide have rebounded. I remember saying at the start of the season that DeBoer could simply focus on coaching—without the pressure of trying to “be” Saban. That alone might take some of the weight off his shoulders. Since the loss in Tallahassee, Alabama has been rolling (pun intended). They’ve won three straight, including a statement win over the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens—snapping Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak. What a win that was under the lights. As expected, it was another classic SEC showdown that came down to the fourth quarter. Wins like that can propel a team. And in just two seasons, DeBoer now has wins over the SEC’s perceived top dog. One major difference-maker has been the return of a healthy Jam Miller, but how about the play of quarterback Ty Simpson? He was poised and composed against one of the nation’s top defenses and has been automatic all year. Simpson has thrown 11 touchdown passes with zero turnovers. While Alabama’s defense hasn’t gotten into the backfield like we’re used to seeing, they’ve been outstanding against the pass. Today, they look to avenge a stunning loss from last season.
Vanderbilt X-Factor: Eli Stowers
On an offense full of playmakers, Eli Stowers is one that Diego Pavia targets often and with consistency. Their chemistry goes back to their days at New Mexico State, which explains the trust between them. Stowers works the middle of the field and creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties. For a tight end, he has exceptional stop-start ability and moves very well with the ball after the catch. Alabama must key in on him today—limit his touches and control the space he has to work with.
Alabama X-Factor: Germie Bernard
The other wide receiver opposite Ryan Williams, Bernard has been a highly productive second option for Simpson and this Tide offense. What I appreciate most is his consistency. When his number is called, he delivers—and he never tries to do too much. This year, he’s been a go-to guy on third down and a reliable red zone threat. His presence gives Alabama a well-rounded aerial attack.
Final Thoughts:
Here we are again—another chapter in this matchup. Last season, Vanderbilt stunned Alabama in Nashville and put the college football world on notice. Nearly a year later, they meet again, but this time in Tuscaloosa. If Vanderbilt wins today, Diego Pavia becomes the clear favorite for the Heisman Trophy—and I’ll personally print his invite to New York myself. I expect this to be a game where both defenses struggle to get off the field. Let’s start with Vanderbilt: Their run game is among the best in the country, and they can’t afford to abandon it. Alabama’s offense is known for explosive plays, so Vanderbilt will need to sustain long, methodical drives to control tempo. Field position will be key, as always when facing Alabama. Special teams could play a major role. On defense, Vanderbilt must disrupt Alabama’s rhythm before it starts. For Alabama, the question is: Can they start fast and establish dominance early? If the game stays close, Vandy will believe they can pull it off again. Alabama must capitalize on early opportunities—big plays on the ground and through the air—and run the football to wear down Vandy’s defense. Mistakes must be minimized, especially against a Commodores defense that thrives on forcing turnovers through aggressive blitzes and tight coverage. As impressive as Vanderbilt has been, they haven’t faced a passing attack like Alabama’s. I like the Tide today to get their revenge.
