Alabama vs. Vanderbilt Predictions

Alabama football is set to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at home for its fifth game of the season.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

The staff at Touchdown Alabama provides their predictions and analysis of the game.

JUSTIN SMITH / Managing Editor 

Key Analysis: The game within the game in this one will Tim Beck vs. Kane Wommack when the Alabama defense is on the field attempting to stop Vanderbilt’s offense. The Commdores have one of the country’s most explosive offenses, led by Diego Pavia. Who wins this matchup will be critical in this one. Alabama’s offense has been on fire as of late and could give the Vanderbilt defense fits. It is likely the Commodores will have to score at a good clip to win this one, so if Wommack can get Pavia off the field at critical times, it will be huge for the Tide.

Prediction: Alabama: 42 Vanderbilt: 31

Trevion Ware / Alabama Beat Reporter

Key Analysis: Alabama football is preparing to face a confident team in Vanderbilt, that believes that they have the Tide’s number. This means the Tide must come out and assert themselves early on both sides of the ball, specifically on defense when applying pressure on Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia. Making life difficult on Pavia will force him into bad decisions on later downs, taking away from any momentum the Commodores look to build. Alabama must also limit the effectiveness of Vandy running back Sedrick Alexander and tight end Eli Stowers. Offensively, the Tide must continue to win on third downs. I expect Ty Simpson to continue dishing the ball out to the talented pool of pass catchers, both in the backfield and on the perimeters. Doing so will open up opportunities to continue to grow the rushing attack and win time of possession battle. Lastly, Alabama must be the more disciplined team and avoid costly self inflicted penalties so that so Vanderbilt does not have extra possessions or more added motivation in their attack.

Prediction: Alabama: 38 Vanderbilt: 17

Matthew Mason / Alabama Beat Reporter

Key Analysis: Alabama has one of the top wide receiver rooms in the nation, and spreading the joy around is how the Crimson Tide can get the victory today. The creativity that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has with a guy like Germie Bernard in his system is limitless, and Bernard will be lining up all over the field today like he has been over the last few weeks. Isaiah Horton continues to be a reliable target for Simpson, especially in the red zone as he’s caught a ball in the end zone in Alabama’s last two games. Ryan Williams is a name to pay attention to. He’s been electric in Bryant-Denny Stadium and had some struggles in away games, but the superstar wide receiver is going to help out Alabama’s offense simply by being on the field and posing a threat at all times, which has led to good looks for Horton or Bernard against single coverage. The Crimson Tide may not rush for over 100 yards, but that is not an issue if the passing attack is hot in this game.

Prediction: Alabama: 38 Vanderbilt: 28