How Alabama's stunning loss impacts the Texas Longhorns

Wow. Who saw that coming? The Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history by beating the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35.

It is the first time in program history Vandy has beaten the No. 1 team in the nation. As a member of the SEC, the Commodores have had plenty of cracks at it.

Vanderbilt fans were so exuberant, they marched the goal posts a couple miles and tossed them into the Cumberland River.

After Bama took down the Georgia Bulldogs last week, it looked like the Tide might be a shoe-in for the SEC championship game. They still might make it, but the road is tougher now. Bama must still play the Vols, LSU, Oklahoma and Auburn.

So, what does this mean for the Texas Longhorns?

First, the Longhorns should return to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 this week, after being replaced by Bama last week. It’s safe to say Texas will stay No. 1 in the US LBM Coaches Poll as well.

It also should help Texas get to the SEC title game and a possible No. 1 seed in the college football playoff. With Georgia and Alabama each already having a loss, it gives Texas a tad bit more margin of error.

It also could help with recruiting. Alabama is one of Texas’ primary recruiting rivals. A loss to Vandy won’t play well on the recruiting trail.