Exactly one week after defeating No. 1 Georgia, Alabama was unexpectedly defeated 40-35 by Vanderbilt, a result that greatly impacts the College Football Playoff outlook and the SEC championship race.

This marks Vanderbilt’s first win over Alabama since September 29, 1984, and it’s the Commodores’ first victory against a top-five ranked team.

The Crimson Tide, ranked second, went into this game as significant favorites, expected to win by more than three touchdowns against the Commodores, who had not won a conference match since November 19, 2022, against Florida. However, Alabama appeared off their game after their exciting win over Georgia the previous week.

Vanderbilt took an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter. The Commodores scored their first touchdown during their opening drive, with Sedrick Alexander finishing a 75-yard drive that took over six minutes. On the Tide’s opening play, Randon Fontenette intercepted Heisman candidate Jalen Milroe and returned it 29 yards for another touchdown.

Milroe managed two touchdown runs in the first half to help Alabama reduce the deficit to 23-14 by halftime. The Tide got even closer at 30-28 after Milroe connected with freshman Ryan Williams for a 58-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

However, Vanderbilt regained control from that point. A field goal put them ahead 33-28, and soon after, a sack on Milroe forced a fumble that Commodores defender Yilanan Ouattara recovered. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia then found Kamrean Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown, extending their advantage to 40-28.

Alabama did manage to score a late touchdown with a run from Williams, but Vanderbilt successfully drained the remaining clock, converting three first downs with Pavia and the offense.

With this loss, Alabama falls behind Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, and Tennessee, who remain unbeaten in the SEC with seven weeks still left in the conference season. Although the Tide still have a chance to clinch the league championship or secure an at-large playoff spot, this loss has made their path significantly more challenging.