Texas & Ohio State in Klatt’s October 12- team CFP bracket | Joel Klatt Show
Joel Klatt revisited his 12-team college football playoff bracket. He explained how his preseason bracket has changed, including some teams shuffling around the rankings. Joel talked about why the Texas Longhorns jumped the Ohio State Buckeyes and...
The Vanderbilt Commodores recorded arguably the biggest win in program history Saturday by upsetting top-ranked Alabama, 40-35.
The Crimson Tide won the opening toss and deferred. And Vanderbilt immediately drove down the field for a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to take the lead.
It was the first time since 2007 Vandy had opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown, and that was Nick Saban’s second game as coach. Alabama rallied and won that day 24-10.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2)celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY)
The Commodores carried a 23-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Vanderbilt added 17 points in the second half and held off a furious comeback attempt from No. 1 Alabama to secure the upset victory in Nashville.
10 BIGGEST SURPRISES THROUGH THE FIRST MONTH OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON
Jalen Milroe, among the top Heisman Trophy candidates after he delivered a dazzling performance last week in Tuscaloosa to hold off Georgia, finished Saturday's loss with 312 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) hands the ball off to running back AJ Newberry (23) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville Oct. 5, 202. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Images)
Prior to Saturday, Vanderbilt last defeated Alabama on Sept. 29, 1984.
Vanderbilt fans danced onto the field, jumping up and down as they celebrated the school's historic win on Saturday. Fans eventually tore down a goal post, carried it out of the stadium and rang out sweet sounds of victory. Then they toted the goal post just over a couple miles, before tossing it into the Cumberland River.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates the team's 40-35 win over No. 1 Alabama after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said the moment felt like a dream.
"This is the dream, right here," Lea said. "And for the next 12 hours, I’m going to enjoy the dream. We’ve got more ahead of us, but this is what Vanderbilt football needs to be about: Big wins on big stages. We’re going to go get some more."
First-year Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said it's back to work for a team that wasn't at its best against Vanderbilt.
"We’re going to find out really how much we care about each other and what it looks like moving forward," DeBoer said. "We’ve been tested in different ways really a lot of the games here this season, and this is a different type of test now in our response."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson said it's early and everything remains in front of the Tide. "We never want to feel this again," he said.
Saturday's improbable win improved Vanderbilt's record to 3-2, while Alabama lost for the first time. The Crimson Tide return home next week and will try to bounce back against South Carolina.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.