Alabama Vs Vanderbilt: 5 Notable Football Matchups

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is renowned for its intense rivalries, captivating storylines, and fierce competition. Within this esteemed collegiate athletic conference, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Vanderbilt Commodores have clashed on numerous occasions, yielding some memorable matchups. While Vanderbilt's overall record against Alabama might not be favorable, there have been instances where the Commodores pushed the Crimson Tide to their limits, making for thrilling encounters. Here, we'll delve into five notable football matchups between Alabama and Vanderbilt.

A Legacy of Dominance and Occasional Upsets

The Alabama-Vanderbilt series dates back to 1903, with the Crimson Tide holding a significant advantage. However, Vanderbilt's resilience and determination have led to some remarkable upsets over the years, which will be explored in the following sections.

1. 2011: Vanderbilt's Upset Bid Falls Short

In a closely contested matchup, the Commodores nearly pulled off an upset against the then-No. 2 Crimson Tide. Despite trailing 27-7 at halftime, Vanderbilt scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 27-21. However, Alabama's Trent Richardson sealed the deal with a 1-yard touchdown run, securing a 34-28 victory for the Crimson Tide.

2. 1984: Vanderbilt Stuns No. 14 Alabama

This game is often regarded as one of the biggest upsets in the series. The unranked Commodores, led by quarterback Alan Graham, stunned the No. 14 Crimson Tide 30-21 at Vanderbilt Stadium. Graham's impressive performance, which included 136 passing yards and 64 rushing yards, helped Vanderbilt secure its first win over Alabama since 1964.

3. 1922: Alabama's Record-Breaking Victory

In one of the earliest matchups between the two teams, Alabama secured a record-breaking 61-0 victory over Vanderbilt. This dominating performance remains the largest margin of victory in the series. The Crimson Tide's potent offense, led by quarterback Charles Bartlett, accounted for nine touchdowns, while the defense limited Vanderbilt to just 22 total yards.

4. 2017: Alabama's Thrilling Comeback

Trailing 3-0 at halftime, the then-No. 1 Crimson Tide staged an impressive comeback against Vanderbilt. Quarterback Jalen Hurts orchestrated a 10-play, 80-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run. Alabama's defense responded with a crucial interception, setting up a 15-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The Crimson Tide ultimately prevailed 59-0, but not before Vanderbilt's strong first-half performance raised eyebrows.

5. 1969: Bear Bryant's 200th Win

Legendary coach Bear Bryant notched his 200th career victory as the Crimson Tide trounced Vanderbilt 40-0. This milestone win came during Bryant's 13th season at Alabama, cementing his status as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. The Crimson Tide's convincing performance, which included 336 rushing yards and three touchdowns, underscored Bryant's tactical genius and the team's dominance.

The Alabama-Vanderbilt rivalry has produced numerous thrilling matchups, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. From Vanderbilt's occasional upsets to Alabama's record-breaking victories, this series has left an indelible mark on the world of college football. As the two teams continue to face off on the gridiron, fans can expect intense competition and memorable moments that will etch their way into the annals of SEC history.

Take a moment to reflect on the Alabama-Vanderbilt rivalry and share your favorite matchup or memory in the comments below!

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