Alabama and Vanderbilt meet as ranked foes for the first time in 88 years

For the first time since 1937, No. 10 Alabama and No. 16 Vanderbilt meet as ranked opponents, with Saturday’s clash in Tuscaloosa shaping up as one of Week 6’s defining SEC showdowns.

Alabama is riding a three-game win streak, along with last week's statement win over Georgia. The Tide is determined to avoid the kind of emotional hangover that doomed it a year ago. This game follows a similar victory over the Bulldogs in 2024 with a shocking 40-35 loss at Vanderbilt. The Commodores’ first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team. 

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has carried on maturity and focus this week, saying, “You’ve got to handle success and come back every single week in this league.”

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is no longer the underdog of old. Clark Lea’s program has transformed into a confident contender behind quarterback Diego Pavia, who has accounted for 17 total touchdowns and leads an offense averaging 223 rushing yards per game, tops in the SEC. The Commodores have won their first five contests by more than 30 points on average. Their best start in the SEC since 2008.

On the other side, Alabama’s Ty Simpson has quietly emerged as one of the league’s most efficient passers, completing 69% of his throws without an interception. Both he and Pavia rank among the top 15 nationally in passer efficiency.

It’s a matchup heavy with symmetry as two elite quarterbacks and surging defenses will be the story. Nearly nine decades after their last ranked meeting, Alabama and Vanderbilt are again squaring off with everything on the line (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC). 

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