Nick Saban’s Comments About Vanderbilt Resurface After Alabama Loss

The unranked Vanderbilt Commodores made history on Saturday in one of the most historic upsets in college football history. The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide are undefeated no more following an incredible 40-35 win by Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Kalen DeBoer's Tide were coming off a monumental 41-34 win over the then No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa. After earning the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll, it felt like Alabama had returned to the top of the sport.

People were talking about the team's upcoming matchup against the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers on Oct. 19, overlooking the Commodores and head coach Clark Lea all together. After all, Alabama was considered a 22.5-point favorite, per ESPN Bet, ahead of kickoff.

The Tide's last loss to Vanderbilt, who finished 2-10 last season, came in 1984 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama hasn't lost in Nashville since 1969.

Vanderbilt isn't exactly known for a rowdy atmosphere. Oftentimes, visiting teams have more fans in attendance at the 40,350-seat venue. Even former Alabama head coach Nick Saban criticized the Commodores' home atmosphere. During an appearance three weeks ago on "The Pat McAfee Show," Saban labeled Vanderbilt Stadium as the easiest place to play in the SEC.

"The only place you play in the SEC that's not hard to play is Vanderbilt," he said. "When you play at Vanderbilt, you have more fans there than they have. That's no disrespect to them. That's just the truth."

Vanderbilt got off to a hot start from the jump, scoring a touchdown on its opening possession. Alabama star quarterback Jalen Milroe was intercepted on the Tide's first drive, and the Commodores returned it for a touchdown.

Alabama made a push in the second quarter to make it 23-14 at the half. It felt like the Tide were just waiting for the opportunity to take the lead, but Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia kept the Commodores in front the entire game. He completed 16-of-20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Pavia also added 20 carries for 56 yards. Starting tailback Sedrick Alexander logged 21 carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

The score reflected a 40-35 lead for the Commodores in the final minutes. Alabama was certainly still in the hunt, but a seven-play, 54-yard drive ultimately closed the door on the Tide's chance, and pandemonium ensued by Vanderbilt faithful.

Alabama (4-1) will be back in action at home next week against the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-2). Vanderbilt (3-2) is off next week before traveling to the Kentucky Wildcats (3-2).

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