This upcoming Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide will be making their first trip to FirstBank Stadium in Nashville since suffering a shocking upset loss to Vanderbilt two years ago.
That upset happened back in 2024 during Kalen DeBoer's first season at Alabama, with the shocking loss coming in a similar setting to what the Crimson Tide will enter Saturday. A game played in Nashville, the Crimson Tide will face an unranked Commodores team with Alabama coming off a huge win over LSU, similar to two years ago when they topped Georgia the week prior to the Vanderbilt game.
Vanderbilt also gave Alabama some problems a year ago in Tuscaloosa before the Crimson Tide pulled away late. Is a similar game set for this Saturday in Nashville, or will
Alabama dominate similar to how they did in the series under former head coach Nick Saban?
Following are three storylines entering Alabama's Week 11 showdown with Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Can Alabama avoid slow start?
Each of the last two meetings against Vanderbilt have seen Alabama start slow in the first half, which as a result, has seen the Crimson Tide trail or be tied with the Commodores at halftime. Back in 2024, the Crimson Tide had a rough start that included a 23-7 deficit at late in the second quarter. A year ago, Vanderbilt played Alabama close during a game in Tuscaloosa which saw the two teams tied at halftime, 14-14.
Can Alabama's defense force Jared Curtis mistakes?
Similar to LSU's Sam Leavitt a week ago, if there is one area where Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis can struggle at times, it's with turnovers. Curtis has thrown eight interceptions in as many games so far this season, which is tied for the second-most in the SEC. The true freshman will be facing an Alabama defense which leads the SEC with 13 interceptions this season.
Is Alabama's offense set for a big day?
The Alabama offense has not surpassed the 40-point mark since the Mississippi State game, but could that change this Saturday at Vanderbilt? Vanderbilt ranks lowest in the SEC with an average of 29.4 points per game allowed to opponents, and have surrendered over 30+ points in five of nine games so far this season. Ryan Coleman-Williams could also be set for a big game, as the wideout has torched the Commodores the past two seasons, combining for nine receptions for 180 yards and three total touchdowns.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 storylines for Alabama vs. Vanderbilt in Week 11 road matchup
