A sluggish offense keeps Vanderbilt from a shot at another upset of Alabama | Estes
14 at FirstBank Stadium: Talking points Highly ranked and highly favored (by two touchdowns), Alabama’s offense stumbled around early, creating an atmosphere favorable for another shocking upset at Vanderbilt.
Key points
- What I liked Vanderbilt’s defense wasn’t bad, especially considering how little help it was getting from the offense.
- Vanderbilt’s offense went five consecutive possessions in the first half without gaining a first down.
- Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at [email protected] and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.social This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean:.
Where the game turned With the game still scoreless in the second quarter, Vanderbilt’s defense created a huge break when Dontae Carter caught a tipped interception at Alabama’s 17-yard line.
Additional details
- He may not have been 100% out there, but he was healthy enough to throw a trio of touchdowns on consecutive possessions, putting Alabama in control midway through the third quarter.
- During the ensuing three plays, however, Vandy’s offense progressively lost 17 yards, getting a false-start penalty (of course) before losing yards on three failed offensive plays.
- Key number 52 – Penalty yards accumulated by Vanderbilt in the first half, which means the Commodores at halftime had more yards in penalties than total offensive yards (34).
- This defeat leaves Vanderbilt (4-6) needing to win its final two games – at Florida and at home against Tennessee – to ensure bowl eligibility for a third season in a row.
- Keelon Russell started at quarterback after all for Alabama, despite pregame reports that the Tide would turn to backup Austin Mack because of Russell's ankle injury.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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