We didn’t think it would be easy today with Vanderbilt rolling into town, and it was not. Fortunately, Alabama outlasted the Commodores to bring home the 30-14 victory.
Things started out ominously. Vandy
won the toss and elected to defer. Alabama had a solid drive to get deep into Vanderbilt territory, but Ty Simpson threw a pick and Vandy promptly cashed in on a 65 yard TD run from RB Sedrick Alexander. Alabama then moved the ball again but came up empty on a missed field goal, and Vandy again drove the field with ease. Fortunately Justin Jefferson was able to punch the ball away from smack talking Vandy QB Diego Pavia, and Alabama answered with a touchdown of their own to tie things up at 7.
Vandy answered back with one of their signature long touchdown drives to re-take the lead, and it felt as though all of the pressure would be on Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense to win a shootout. Fortunately, the Alabama defense seemingly found a way to adjust after that second score. Vandy still managed to move the chains quite often, but they were held scoreless as the Tide kept rising when they got into scoring range. Getting James Smith back at halftime seemed to help shore up the run defense. Perhaps the most critical play of the game was a fourth quarter red zone interception by Keon Sabb with Alabama nursing a six point lead.
Alabama’s offense struggled mightily in the red zone as well, but Conor Talty was able to make three critical second half field goals to create a late two score advantage. A defensive struggle is something that few expected in this one, but that’s exactly what it turned into after intermission. Ty Simpson wasn’t able to get the ball into the end zone, but he made a few spectacular plays to extend drives and it was enough to outduel Pavia.
Simpson finished 23/31 for 340 yards and two touchdowns. If he keeps this up, he will be in the thick of the Heisman race. It should be encouraging to Alabama fans that the running game looked much better as well, as Jam Miller logged his first 100 yard effort and drove the final nail in the coffin with a 20 yard TD run in the final minute.
This Vanderbilt team is likely to be in the playoff conversation all year. This was a quality win for Alabama, and a sigh of relief for the fanbase. The schedule doesn’t let up one bit next week with the road trip to undefeated Mizzou coming off a bye week. Such is life in this SEC.
There is plenty of ball on tonight, led by FSU vs. Miami. Thanks to CFBGrid.com for the schedule graphic.
Roll Tide.
