SUBSCRIBE to our emails here.

Will Alabama get revenge against Vandy?

Who doesn’t love a dramatic revenge game?

Last season, the college football world was turned on its head when Vanderbilt upset Alabama. It was a feat so unfathomable that many still find it hard to believe this is a ranked-on-ranked matchup in 2025.

This year’s version of the Alabama vs. Vanderbilt game has significantly different implications than last year’s. Both programs are staring down a chance to reach the SEC championship with their stellar quarterbacks leading the way. Alabama’s Ty Simpson revived the Crimson Tide last week against Georgia, and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia’s scrapiness has galvanized the program.

With so much on the line, here’s what the A to Z college football staff predicted will happen this Saturday.

“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.” —Rob Gregson

“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

“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.” —Ian Valentino

Seemingly, the A to Z CFB staff has vastly different opinions on how they believe this game will unfold. From Gregson projecting a potential Alabama blowout to Forness expecting another Vanderbilt victory, it’s clear this is one game few people can’t agree on.

I firmly believe that Alabama will win this game, primarily because of the importance of this battle for head coach Kalen DeBoer. Last year, everyone had anointed DeBoer as the next great head coach in the sport after beating Georgia, only for his job security to be called into doubt a week later when he was upset by Vandy.

I find it extremely hard to believe that, given how much the Vanderbilt loss impacted his national and local perception, he won’t put every ounce of attention into winning this game. More importantly, winning it with an exclamation point. Being a college football head coach requires a degree of intensity that many can’t fathom, and we’ll get a glimpse into how it impacts preparation depending on how the Tide plays.

Additionally, Vanderbilt’s defense is not equipped to slow down Simpson and Bama’s passing attack. They’re 88th in college football in EPA per drop-back allowed, even having faced a slate of weak quarterbacks. Just like we saw against Georgia, Alabama will air it out with big plays that will be too much for the Commodores to keep up with.

Will Miami remain unbeaten against FSU?

For some reason, people are still doubting whether Miami is a legit national title threat or not. With multiple solid wins on the year, it’s not unanimous that the Hurricanes can go on a CFP run this season. They’ve got a shot to prove the doubters wrong once again against one of their most hated rivals in Florida State.

This game almost had incredible implications. Before last Friday’s loss to Virginia, Florida State looked like it had returned to its typical level of dominance during an undefeated stretch. Instead, they’ll need to stop the bleeding as their wounds are easy targets for Miami to gouge.

The A to Z college football staff projected how they see this game unfolding, with most predicting a dub for Miami.

“This one is going to tell whether Week 1 against the Alabama Crimson Tide was a fluke or if last week was a fluke for the Seminoles. Are they a serious team? This is the only true test left for them on a schedule that honestly isn’t hard at all. Unfortunately for them, I have them losing this game to Miami, but because of that electric offense, I have it being somewhat close.” —Justin Churchill

“The Seminoles have more than enough talent to keep this game close, and potentially win in the end. On paper, I do believe that Miami has the more talented roster. Their offensive and defensive lines are more impactful right now, and that usually wins football games. It’s a rivalry game, and Florida State is at home, so that tends to level the playing field. I have a feeling that quarterback Carson Beck and pass rusher Rueben Bain just make a couple of key plays to win this one.” —Ryan Roberts

“Florida State’s pass defense is going to be a problem against Carson Beck and Miami’s efficient, explosive passing attack. Combine that with Miami’s strong defense headed up by future first round pick edge defender Rueben Bain and the list of problems for the Seminoles gets long quickly. Miami dominates most the game, but the Seminoles do enough to keep it respectable.” —Travis May

With this game being played at Florida State, it gives the Seminoles a chance to stay close until the final whistle. However, I strongly feel the Hurricanes will take care of business. Two of Miami’s most significant strengths are currently Florida State’s biggest weaknesses.

Miami’s defense transformed when it hired defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman because of his attention to fundamentals. His unit is swarming opposing offenses and not allowing any broken plays. Florida State’s offensive success has relied on its slippery quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, making defenders miss. Its rushing attack will not be as productive against this defense that rallies to the football on every snap.

Additionally, FSU allowed 211 yards on the ground to UVA in their loss last Friday. Many big plays were created by broken tackles generated by hard running by Virginia. Miami’s three-deep running back room will have its way in this matchup. The Hurricanes’ ability to set the tone on the ground will deliver them a victory.

---

Only A to Z Sports newsletter subscribers get the rest of this email, which has the latest CFB news and more.

Don’t miss out on our upcoming full newsletter: SUBSCRIBE to our FREE weekly CFB newsletter to receive updates on your favorite CFB team and the rest of the league straight to your inbox.

College Football

What is holding back Brian Kelly and James Franklin?- CFB Newsletter

What is holding back Penn State and LSU during their slow starts to the 2025 college football season?

Joe DeLeone