No. 1 Alabama Looks to Avoid Pitfall Against Vanderbilt

Oct 4, 20243 min read

In what could be described as a trap game, No. 1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) travels to Nashville to face SEC foe Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1) in FirstBank Stadium at 4:15 p.m. EST on Oct. 5.

What's at Stake?

Alabama and Kalen DeBoer are coming off their biggest win of the season, an instant classic against then-No. 2 Georgia (3-1, 1-1). After a big win against one of the country's best teams, the Tide must stay focused and avoid falling into the trap of complacency against big underdog Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt and Clark Lea are coming off a bye week and looking to end their 28-game losing streak against top 10 teams. In their last game, the Commodores took No. 9 (then No. 8) Missouri (4-0, 1-0) down to the wire before losing in double overtime after a missed field goal.

Key Players: Alabama

Offense:

QB Jalen Milroe

Milroe is currently playing like the best player in the country and as a result, is the Heisman Trophy betting favorite. Milroe completed 82 percent of his passes accounting for 374 yards through the air, another 117 on the ground and 4 total touchdowns against No. 5 Georgia's elite defense. If Milroe can avoid a letdown and play like he has been it'll be bad news for the Commodores.

WR Ryan Williams

The freshman and 17-year-old phenom put on a show against Georgia catching 6 passes for 177 yards including the 75-yard game-winning touchdown. When asked about that game-winning play, Williams responded, "He (Milroe) knows four plus two equals six. I know four plus two two equals six. So the ball just goes in the air and we've gotta make it do what it do." If Williams and Milroe can continue their "four plus two equals six" connection it will be a long day for Vanderbilt and a short one for Alabama's starters.

Defense:

LB Deontae Lawson

Lawson is the leader of the Tide's defense and is a menace on the field against opposing offenses. He had a team-leading 10 tackles, 2 for loss, a sack and a pass deflection against Georgia. Lawson is a disruptive force against both the pass and run.

CB Domani Jackson

The Transfer from USC has continued to prove himself to be a great addition to the Tide secondary. Jackson had 7 tackles, 1 pass deflection and an interception against the Bulldogs. Jackson seems to improve weekly as he acclimates to his new team and playbook. If Jackson continues on this upward trajectory he will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Key Players: Vanderbilt

Offense:

QB Diego Pavia

The transfer from New Mexico State has been a major improvement, at QB, for the Commodores. Pavia has completed 61 percent of his passes for 721 yards, 6 touchdowns and zero interceptions through four games. He's also a guy that can beat you with his legs as he has accounted for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Alabama has struggled with dual-threat quarterbacks in the past. Can Pavia use his athleticism to disrupt the Tide's defense and make some plays?

Defense:

LB Bryan Longwell

Longwell had 12 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack against No. 9 Missouri. He has 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception on the year. Longwell and his fellow linebackers will have the tough task of slowing down Alabama's Milroe. To do so they need to play disciplined and execute to near perfection.

Trends to Watch

The Alabama Crimson Tide enter this game as a 23.5-point favorite and deservedly so. On paper Vanderbilt has virtually no chance of winning this game but lucky for them, games aren't played on paper.

After their big win over No. 5 Georgia, Alabama could come out flat which seem to be a tendency for some teams after winning big games. If they do, Vanderbilt can take advantage of the Tide's slow start and put points on the board early.

This Vanderbilt team is much improved and is a couple of plays away from being undefeated. If Alabama shrugs this game off as an easy win and comes into it complacent, the Commodores have a chance to shock the world with a major upset.