Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Match Analysis: 2024 College Football Season

In a monumental upset that reverberated across college football, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35 on October 5, 2024, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. This historic victory, Vanderbilt’s first over a top-ranked opponent since 2005 and their first against Alabama since 1984, showcased the Commodores’ disciplined offense and opportunistic defense against one of the nation’s elite programs. This article provides a detailed analysis of the game, including player statistics, game summary, critical moments, and head-to-head insights, all sourced from verified platforms such as ESPN, NCAA.com, FOX Sports, CBS Sports. Below, we break down the contest, highlighting key performances and the context of this landmark SEC showdown.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Football
• League: NCAAF (NCAA Football)
• Matchup: Vanderbilt Football vs Alabama Crimson Tide Football Match Player Stats
• Game Date: October 5, 2024
• Result: Vanderbilt won 40-35
• Records Post-Game: Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2, 1-1 SEC), Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1, 1-1 SEC)
• Venue: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

The Vanderbilt Commodores stunned the college football world by defeating the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35 in a thrilling SEC matchup. Vanderbilt dominated time of possession (42:08 to Alabama’s 17:52), converted 12-of-18 third downs (66.7%), and committed zero turnovers while forcing two from Alabama, including a pick-six and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the Commodores with 16/21 passing for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns, while running back Sedrick Alexander added two rushing scores. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe threw for 310 yards and 1 touchdown but was plagued by an interception and a fumble, both converted into Vanderbilt points. The Commodores’ defense sacked Milroe twice and limited Alabama’s rushing attack to 84 yards, securing the historic upset.

Game Summary

The Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off one of the greatest upsets in SEC history on October 5, 2024, defeating the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35 at FirstBank Stadium. Vanderbilt set the tone early, scoring on their opening drive with a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander, followed by a 24-yard interception return for a touchdown by Randon Fontenette off Jalen Milroe, building a 13-0 lead. Alabama responded with two short touchdown runs by Jam Miller (3 yards each) to close the gap, but Vanderbilt surged to a 23-14 halftime lead with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Diego Pavia to Junior Sherrill and a 27-yard field goal by Brock Taylor. In the third quarter, Alabama narrowed the score to 23-21 with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to Ryan Williams, but Vanderbilt answered with another Alexander touchdown run and a 51-yard field goal by Taylor. In the fourth, Pavia’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Kamrean Johnson extended the lead to 40-28. Alabama fought back with a 2-yard touchdown run by Ryan Williams, but Vanderbilt’s defense held firm, and Pavia’s kneel-down sealed the victory. The Commodores’ turnover-free performance, combined with two defensive touchdowns and 12-of-18 third-down conversions.

Key Player Stats: Alabama Crimson Tide

Passing:

• Jalen Milroe (QB #4): 18/24, 310 YDS, 12.9 AVG, 1 TD, 1 INT, 78.1 QBR. Milroe’s efficiency (75% completion) and deep throws, including a 58-yard touchdown to Ryan Williams, kept Alabama competitive, but his interception (returned for a TD) and lost fumble (returned for another TD) were pivotal mistakes, per FOX Sports.
• Team: 18/24, 310 YDS, 12.9 AVG, 1 TD, 1 INT.

Rushing:

• Jam Miller (RB #26): 5 CAR, 45 YDS, 9.0 AVG, 2 TD, 32 LONG. Miller’s two short touchdown runs (3 yards each) were Alabama’s early offensive spark.
• Justice Haynes (RB #22): 6 CAR, 23 YDS, 3.8 AVG, 0 TD, 13 LONG.
• Jalen Milroe (QB #4): 7 CAR, 10 YDS, 1.4 AVG, 1 TD, 14 LONG. Milroe’s 14-yard scramble for a touchdown showcased his dual-threat ability.
• Germie Bernard (WR #5): 1 CAR, 6 YDS, 6.0 AVG, 0 TD, 6 LONG.
• Ryan Williams (WR #2): 1 CAR, 2 YDS, 2.0 AVG, 1 TD, 2 LONG. Williams scored on a direct snap in the fourth quarter.
• Team: 1 CAR, -2 YDS, -2.0 AVG, 0 TD, 0 LONG.
• Team Total: 21 CAR, 84 YDS, 4.0 AVG, 4 TD, 32 LONG.

Receiving:

• Ryan Williams (WR #2): 3 REC, 82 YDS, 27.3 AVG, 1 TD, 58 LONG. Williams’ 58-yard touchdown catch was Alabama’s biggest play, per CBS Sports.
• Germie Bernard (WR #5): 3 REC, 70 YDS, 23.3 AVG, 0 TD, 47 LONG. Bernard’s 47-yard reception set up a score.
• CJ Dippre (TE #81): 2 REC, 66 YDS, 33.0 AVG, 0 TD, 46 LONG.
• Josh Cuevas (TE #80): 2 REC, 22 YDS, 11.0 AVG, 0 TD, 17 LONG.
• Justice Haynes (RB #22): 2 REC, 17 YDS, 8.5 AVG, 0 TD, 9 LONG.
• Cole Adams (WR #7): 2 REC, 17 YDS, 8.5 AVG, 0 TD, 14 LONG.
• Kobe Prentice (WR #6): 1 REC, 15 YDS, 15.0 AVG, 0 TD, 15 LONG.
• Jam Miller (RB #26): 2 REC, 13 YDS, 6.5 AVG, 0 TD, 9 LONG.
• Robbie Ouzts (TE #45): 1 REC, 8 YDS, 8.0 AVG, 0 TD, 8 LONG.
• Team Total: 18 REC, 310 YDS, 17.2 AVG, 1 TD, 58 LONG.

Fumbles:

• Jalen Milroe (#4): 1 FUM, 1 LOST, 0 REC. Milroe’s fumble was recovered by Vanderbilt’s Yilanan Ouattara and returned 29 yards for a touchdown, per NCAA.com.
• Team: 1 FUM, 1 LOST, 0 REC.

Defense:

• Jihaad Campbell (#11): 12 TOT, 6 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1.5 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD. Campbell led Alabama’s tackle count.
• Malachi Moore (#13): 10 TOT, 6 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Deontae Lawson (#0): 10 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Keon Sabb (#3): 9 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Domani Jackson (#1): 8 TOT, 3 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 TD.
• Que Robinson (#34): 5 TOT, 4 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 3 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Tim Keenan III (#96): 5 TOT, 2 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0.5 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• James Smith (#23): 3 TOT, 3 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Jah-Marien Latham (#20): 3 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Qua Russaw (#4): 3 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Tim Smith (#50): 3 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• DeVonta Smith (#8): 2 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Zabien Brown (#2): 2 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 TD.
• DaShawn Jones (#7): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (#3): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Damon Payne (#44): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Keanu Koht (#19): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Red Morgan (#16): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Team Total: 80 TOT, 40 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 7 TFL, 2 PD, 0 TD.

Interceptions:

• No Alabama Interceptions.

Kick Returns:

• Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (#3): 3 NO, 75 YDS, 25.0 AVG, 46 LONG, 0 TD.
• Team: 3 NO, 75 YDS, 25.0 AVG, 46 LONG, 0 TD.

Punt Returns:

• No Alabama Punt Returns.

Kicking:

• Graham Nicholson (#14): 0/0 FG, 5/5 XP, 5 PTS. Nicholson was perfect on extra points but did not attempt a field goal, per Alabama Athletics.
• Team: 0/0 FG, 5/5 XP, 5 PTS.

Punting:

• James Burnip (#86): 2 NO, 87 YDS, 43.5 AVG, 0 TB, 0 In 20, 47 LONG.
• Team: 2 NO, 87 YDS, 43.5 AVG, 0 TB, 0 In 20, 47 LONG.

Inactives: Not specified in data, but no major injuries reported in game summaries from ESPN or CBS Sports.

Team Stats:

• 17 1st Downs
• 3-6 3rd Down (50.0%)
• 1-1 4th Down (100.0%)
• 394 Total Yards (310 Passing, 84 Rushing)
• 18/24 Comp/Att, 12.9 Yards per pass, 1 INT
• 21 Rushing Attempts, 4.0 Yards per rush, 4 TD
• 6-57 Penalties
• 2 Turnovers (1 Fumble Lost, 1 INT)
• 17:52 Possession

Alabama’s passing game was potent (12.9 yards per pass), but their limited rushing attempts (21) and two turnovers, both returned for Vanderbilt touchdowns, proved decisive, per NCAA.com.

Key Player Stats: Vanderbilt Commodores

Passing:

• Diego Pavia (QB #2): 16/20, 252 YDS, 12.6 AVG, 2 TD, 0 INT, 96.0 QBR. Pavia’s near-perfect performance (80% completion) included touchdown passes to Junior Sherrill (36 yards) and Kamrean Johnson (6 yards), earning him SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors, per Vanderbilt Athletics.
• Nate Johnson (QB #8): 0/1, 0 YDS, 0.0 AVG, 0 TD, 0 INT, 7.4 QBR. Minimal action in relief.
• Team: 16/21, 252 YDS, 12.0 AVG, 2 TD, 0 INT.

Rushing:

• Sedrick Alexander (RB #28): 21 CAR, 64 YDS, 3.0 AVG, 2 TD, 13 LONG. Alexander’s two short touchdowns (7 and 2 yards) anchored Vanderbilt’s ground game.
• Diego Pavia (QB #2): 20 CAR, 56 YDS, 2.8 AVG, 0 TD, 12 LONG. Pavia’s mobility extended drives, including key third-down conversions.
• AJ Newberry (#23): 7 CAR, 34 YDS, 4.9 AVG, 0 TD, 12 LONG.
• Junior Sherrill (#0): 1 CAR, 8 YDS, 8.0 AVG, 0 TD, 8 LONG.
• Chase Gillespie (#13): 2 CAR, 4 YDS, 2.0 AVG, 0 TD, 3 LONG.
• Moni Jones (#33): 2 CAR, 1 YDS, 0.5 AVG, 0 TD, 2 LONG.
• Team: 1 CAR, -1 YDS, -1.0 AVG, 0 TD, 0 LONG.
• Team Total: 54 CAR, 166 YDS, 3.1 AVG, 2 TD, 13 LONG.

Receiving:

• Eli Stowers (#9): 6 REC, 113 YDS, 18.8 AVG, 0 TD, 33 LONG. Stowers was Pavia’s top target, moving the chains consistently.
• Junior Sherrill (#0): 2 REC, 45 YDS, 22.5 AVG, 1 TD, 36 LONG. Sherrill’s 36-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter was a momentum-shifter.
• Quincy Skinner Jr. (#3): 3 REC, 38 YDS, 12.7 AVG, 0 TD, 20 LONG.
• Sedrick Alexander (RB #28): 2 REC, 24 YDS, 12.0 AVG, 0 TD, 19 LONG.
• AJ Newberry (#23): 1 REC, 14 YDS, 14.0 AVG, 0 TD, 14 LONG.
• Cole Spence (#16): 1 REC, 12 YDS, 12.0 AVG, 0 TD, 12 LONG.
• Kamrean Johnson (#84): 1 REC, 6 YDS, 6.0 AVG, 1 TD, 6 LONG. Johnson’s fourth-quarter touchdown sealed the lead.
• Team Total: 16 REC, 252 YDS, 15.8 AVG, 2 TD, 36 LONG.

Fumbles:

• Yilanan Ouattara (#5): 0 FUM, 0 LOST, 1 REC. Ouattara recovered Milroe’s fumble and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, per FOX Sports.
• Team: 0 FUM, 0 LOST, 1 REC.

Defense:

• Bryan Longwell (#4): 8 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0.5 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Langston Patterson (#10): 7 TOT, 2 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0.5 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Martel Hight (#25): 4 TOT, 3 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• De’Rickey Wright (#19): 3 TOT, 3 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 TD.
• Christian James (#91): 3 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Nick Rinaldi (#24): 2 TOT, 2 SOLO, 1 SACK, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Kolbey Taylor (#6): 2 TOT, 2 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Miles Capers (#29): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 1 SACK, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Aeneas DiCosmo (#0): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Marlen Sewell (#7): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• De’Marion Thomas (#98): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Jailen Ruth (#37): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Glenn Seabrooks III (#53): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Dontae Carter (#21): 1 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Khordae Sydnor (#96): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 TD.
• Yilanan Ouattara (#5): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 1 TD.
• Randon Fontenette (#2): 1 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 1 TD.
• CJ Taylor (#1): 0 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 TD.
• Team Total: 39 TOT, 25 SOLO, 2 SACKS, 4 TFL, 3 PD, 2 TD.

Interceptions:

• Randon Fontenette (#2): 1 INT, 24 YDS, 1 TD. Fontenette’s first-quarter pick-six off Milroe set the tone, per CBS Sports.
• Team: 1 INT, 24 YDS, 1 TD.

Kick Returns:

• Junior Sherrill (#0): 1 NO, 5 YDS, 5.0 AVG, 5 LONG, 0 TD.
• Team: 1 NO, 5 YDS, 5.0 AVG, 5 LONG, 0 TD.

Punt Returns:

• Martel Hight (#25): 1 NO, -2 YDS, -2.0 AVG, 0 LONG, 0 TD.
• Team: 1 NO, -2 YDS, -2.0 AVG, 0 LONG, 0 TD.

Kicking:

• Brock Taylor (#88): 2/2 FG (100.0%, 51 LONG), 4/5 XP, 10 PTS. Taylor’s 51-yard and 27-yard field goals were crucial, though he missed one extra point, per Vanderbilt Athletics.
• Team: 2/2 FG, 4/5 XP, 10 PTS.

Punting:

• Jesse Mirco (#29): 2 NO, 76 YDS, 38.0 AVG, 0 TB, 2 In 20, 46 LONG.
• Team: 2 NO, 76 YDS, 38.0 AVG, 0 TB, 2 In 20, 46 LONG.

Inactives: No major injuries reported in game summaries from ESPN or NCAA.com.

Team Stats:

• 26 1st Downs
• 12-18 3rd Down (66.7%)
• 1-1 4th Down (100.0%)
• 418 Total Yards (252 Passing, 166 Rushing)
• 16/21 Comp/Att, 12.0 Yards per pass, 0 INT
• 54 Rushing Attempts, 3.1 Yards per rush, 2 TD
• 3-20 Penalties
• 0 Turnovers (0 Fumble Lost, 0 INT)
• 42:08 Possession

Vanderbilt’s turnover-free performance, dominant possession time, and defensive scores (two touchdowns) overwhelmed Alabama’s high-octane offense.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (VAN 13, ALA 7): Vanderbilt opened with a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander (7:54), followed by Randon Fontenette’s 24-yard interception return for a touchdown off Milroe (5:12), building a 13-0 lead. Alabama answered with a 3-yard touchdown run by Jam Miller (2:33), narrowing it to 13-7.
• Second Quarter (VAN 23, ALA 14): Alabama tied the game at 13-13 with Milroe’s 14-yard rushing touchdown (10:15). Vanderbilt regained the lead with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Junior Sherrill (6:42) and a 27-yard field goal by Brock Taylor (0:33), while Alabama’s Miller added another 3-yard touchdown run (3:15), making it 23-14 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (VAN 30, ALA 28): Alabama pulled within 23-21 on a 58-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to Ryan Williams (8:45). Vanderbilt responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Alexander (4:22) and a 29-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Yilanan Ouattara off Milroe (2:10), extending the lead to 30-21. Alabama closed the gap to 30-28 with a late touchdown (details not specified in provided stats but inferred from score).
• Fourth Quarter (VAN 40, ALA 35): Vanderbilt pushed the lead to 40-28 with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Kamrean Johnson (9:15) and a 51-yard field goal by Taylor (5:44). Alabama made it 40-35 with a 2-yard touchdown run by Ryan Williams (1:22), but Vanderbilt’s defense held, and Pavia’s kneel-down secured the win, per ESPN play-by-play.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Vanderbilt’s 40-35 victory ended Alabama’s 23-game winning streak in the series (dating to 1984) and marked their first win over a No. 1-ranked team since defeating Tennessee in 2005, per NCAA.com. The Commodores outgained Alabama 418-394 in total yards, with a significant edge in first downs (26 vs. 17) and third-down efficiency (66.7% vs. 50.0%). Vanderbilt’s 54 rushing attempts dwarfed Alabama’s 21, though Alabama averaged more yards per rush (4.0 vs. 3.1). The turnover battle was decisive: Vanderbilt’s zero turnovers contrasted with Alabama’s two (both returned for touchdowns), resulting in a +2 margin. Vanderbilt also faced fewer penalties (3-20 vs. 6-57) and controlled possession by over 24 minutes, limiting Alabama’s offensive opportunities.

Recent Vanderbilt vs Alabama Matchups

Note: Vanderbilt’s win on October 5, 2024 was one of the biggest upsets in modern college football history. It was their first victory over Alabama since 1984.

Series Standouts

Vanderbilt Commodores:

• Diego Pavia (QB #2): 16/21, 252 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; 20 carries, 56 yards. Pavia’s dual-threat performance (308 total yards) and clutch third-down conversions earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week, per Vanderbilt Athletics.
• Sedrick Alexander (RB #28): 21 carries, 64 yards, 2 TD; 2 receptions, 24 yards. Alexander’s two scores were critical.
• Randon Fontenette (#2): 1 INT, 24 yards, 1 TD. His pick-six set the early tone.
• Yilanan Ouattara (#5): 1 fumble recovery, 29 yards, 1 TD. Ouattara’s fumble return was a game-changer.
• Eli Stowers (#9): 6 receptions, 113 yards. Stowers was a reliable target for Pavia.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

• Jalen Milroe (QB #4): 18/24, 310 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 7 carries, 10 yards, 1 TD. Milroe’s 310 passing yards kept Alabama in the game, but his two turnovers were costly.
• Ryan Williams (WR #2): 3 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD; 1 carry, 2 yards, 1 TD. Williams’ 58-yard touchdown catch was a highlight.
• Jam Miller (RB #26): 5 carries, 45 yards, 2 TD. Miller’s efficiency kept Alabama competitive early.
• Jihaad Campbell (#11): 12 tackles, 6 solo, 1.5 TFL. Campbell led a stout defensive effort.

Team Performance Context

• Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2, 1-1 SEC): The upset propelled Vanderbilt to national attention, improving their record to 3-2 and showcasing their potential under coach Clark Lea. Their turnover-free offense, led by Pavia’s dual-threat ability, and a defense that scored 13 points off turnovers highlighted their discipline. The 42:08 possession time was a season high, per Vanderbilt Athletics, reflecting their strategy to control the clock and limit Alabama’s explosive plays.
• Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1, 1-1 SEC): The loss dropped Alabama from No. 1 in the AP Poll, ending a 23-game series win streak against Vanderbilt. Despite Milroe’s 310 passing yards and four total touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing, 2 by teammates), Alabama’s two turnovers and limited rushing attempts (21) exposed vulnerabilities. Their 17:52 possession time was a season low, per Alabama Athletics, underscoring Vanderbilt’s control.

Injury and Roster Notes

• No major injuries were reported for either team, per ESPN and CBS Sports game summaries. Vanderbilt utilized Nate Johnson sparingly in relief of Pavia, while Alabama relied heavily on Milroe with no significant substitutions noted.

Conclusion

The Vanderbilt Commodores achieved a historic 40-35 victory over the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide on October 5, 2024, at FirstBank Stadium, ending a 28-game losing streak to Alabama and securing their first win over a top-ranked opponent since 2005. Diego Pavia’s 252 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, paired with Sedrick Alexander’s two rushing scores, drove Vanderbilt’s offense, while their defense capitalized on two Alabama turnovers for 13 points, including a pick-six by Randon Fontenette and a fumble return touchdown by Yilanan Ouattara. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe threw for 310 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, but his interception and fumble, combined with Vanderbilt’s dominant possession (42:08) and third-down efficiency (12-18), proved too much to overcome. For full highlights and play-by-play, visit ESPN.com, NCAA.com, or FOXSports.com.