The Vanderbilt Commodores recorded arguably the biggest win in program history on Saturday, defeating top-ranked Alabama 40-35

The Crimson Tide won the opening toss and was eliminated. And Vanderbilt immediately drove down the field and took the lead with a 7-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander.

It was the first time Vandy opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown since 2007, and it was Nick Saban’s second game as coach. Alabama rebounded to win 24-10 on the day.

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Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville on Saturday, October 5, 2024. (Denny Simmons/The Tennessean/USA Today)

At halftime, the Commodores went into the locker room with a 23-14 lead.

Vanderbilt scored 17 second-half points and held off a furious comeback attempt from No. 1 Alabama to secure the upset win in Nashville.

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Jalen Milroe, a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy after delivering a stunning performance to hold off Georgia in Tuscaloosa last week, finished Saturday’s loss with 312 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) hands the ball to running back AJ Newberry (23) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville on October 5, 202. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Images)

Before Saturday, Vanderbilt last beat Alabama on Sept. 29, 1984.

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Saturday’s improbable victory improved Vanderbilt’s record to 3-2, while Alabama lost for the first time. The Crimson Tide return home next week and will look to bounce back against South Carolina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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