It has been a long year for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Losing to Vanderbilt for the first time in decades in 2024, Alabama has had this one circled on its calendar all year. Vanderbilt is undefeated and headed to Tuscaloosa for one of the bigger games of the weekend, evidenced by the arrival of College Gameday at the Capstone.

But Vandy and QB Diego Pavia aren’t backing down. They believe they can win. Well, Alabama coaches and players have said all the right things ahead of Saturday’s game, but it’s clear they are out for revenge.

So who does our panel of college football analysts at A to Z Sports expect to win? Let’s find out.

Alabama 50, Vanderbilt 17

Look, I don’t think this one is going to be particularly close. Vanderbilt is coming to Bryant-Denny. Vandy now has the target on its back. Vandy are the hunted, not the hunters, this year. Sure, Alabama is ranked higher, but they are listening to everything Pavia is saying, and they will address things accordingly.

With many players returning to health, the team can weather the storm in the first half until James Smith returns from his controversial call against Georgia in the second half. But to be honest, I think this one is over before the 2-minute warning at intermission.

Alabama 33, Vanderbilt 24

“The 2025 Vanderbilt Commodores might just be even better than the team that beat Alabama last season, but that likely won’t be enough in Tuscaloosa. Yes, the Vanderbilt offense has been on fire thanks to gritty impossible-not-to-root-for Diego Pavia at quarterback. And yes, they’re 5-0. However, the Commodore’s pass defense is going to be a problem.”

“The only quarterback with a pulse they’ve faced was LaNorris Sellers in Week 3, but he was knocked of the game with a concussion. Even so, Vanderbilt ranks 83rd in pass success rate allowed right now. Not great. Alabama’s emergent star QB Ty Simpson has been slicing and dicing opposing defenses looking like a future NFL passer. That will be enough to get the job done by itself, even if Vanderbilt likely just barely covers the 10.5-point spread.”

– Travis May, A to Z Sports

Vanderbilt 38, Alabama 35

“Quarterbacking in College Football this season has been a wild ride. We’ve seen multiple quarterbacks who should be taking that massive step forward, but haven’t done that. In this matchup, we have seen great play from both Diego Pavia and Ty Simpson, with the latter being the biggest surprise. The fourth-year junior has taken the college football world by storm with excellent games since a rough debut against Florida State, including beating the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, something that doesn’t happen often at all.”

“On the other side is Pavia, who likely doesn’t have a future in the NFL, but is the perfect college quarterback: gutsy, tough, mobile, and every ounce of stupid courage to attack down the field. We saw Pavia will the Commodores to a win over the Crimson Tide last year, and they shouldn’t be counted out, as they are 5-0 for the first time since 2008. It’s technically an upset if you look at recent track record, but this isn’t your standard Vanderbilt or Alabama teams.”

–Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida

Alabama 27, Vanderbilt 24

“After being off the Alabama bandwagon to start the year, how can I ignore what we just saw against Georgia? After a stunning Week 1 loss, Ty Simpson and the Alabama passing offense has evolved into the caliber of unit we had seen at Washington when Kalen DeBoer was in charge there. Simpson’s accuracy and decision-making has allowed Alabama to forget about a nondescript running game that ranks 108th in the country in yards per game.”

“We can probably bank on Vandy stopping the run this matchup since they’re an elite unit against the ground game. But where things get interesting and in Alabama’s favor is the Tide’s defense. This is the third-best passing defense in the country, and their length and speed will be problematic for Diego Pavia. Still, this will come down to the wire. Neither team has avoided penalties well but each has consistently won on third downs and the turnover war. With so much being otherwise even, I’m leaning toward the hot home team that has a little more natural talent.”

– Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports

Alabama 38, Vanderbilt 28

“This SEC showdown is an exciting one. A bit of trash talk, some big-time play between quarterbacks, and plenty of national attention have culminated in an intriguing game where the Tide is looking for some payback.”

“I think Ty Simpson and Alabama get it, too. Vanderbilt’s offense has been gritty and explosive so far this season, but I think its defense just has too many holes to slow down the Crimson Tide offense enough to get the victory. Alabama gets another important top 25 win and solidifies their spot in the top 10 to start next week.”

– Adam Holt, A to Z Sports

Final Takeaways

It seems that everyone outside of Tyler is on board with Alabama in this one. Personally, I think that last year’s result was a trap game. This year, the Tide will meet the moment and go beyond, winning in style at home.

Alabama Crimson Tide News

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer is sending a clear message to his team to make sure the Crimson Tide takes care of Vanderbilt

Alabama knows what this weekend means.

Rob Gregson