Tide Rolls Over Vanderbilt, 30‑14: A Complete Game Recap
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, No. 10 Alabama hosted No. 16 Vanderbilt at Bryant‑Denny Stadium and picked up a convincing 30–14 victory over a tough Commodores team. (Vanderbilt Athletics) This win marked a measure of redemption after Vanderbilt’s shocking win over Bama the prior season.
Here’s how the game unfolded, who made the difference, and what it means going forward.
Game Summary & Flow
| Quarter | Vanderbilt | Alabama | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 0 | Vanderbilt struck early via a long run TD. (Vanderbilt Athletics) |
| 2 | 7 | 14 | Alabama answered with two touchdowns to take the lead. (Vanderbilt Athletics) |
| 3 | 0 | 6 | Alabama added a touchdown but missed the extra point or opted differently. (Vanderbilt Athletics) |
| 4 | 0 | 10 | Bama closed out with a touchdown and a field goal. (Vanderbilt Athletics) |
| Final | 14 | 30 | — |
A few narrative notes on momentum and adjustments:
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Vanderbilt got off to a fast start in the first quarter, helping to quiet the home crowd.
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But Alabama responded in the second quarter, taking control before halftime and carrying the edge into the second half.
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The Commodores' offense faded in the second half, particularly on the ground, allowing the Tide defense to clamp down. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Alabama was efficient in red zone opportunities, turning all four trips into points. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
Standout Performers & Key Stats
Alabama
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Ty Simpson (QB): 23 of 30 passing, 340 yards, 2 touchdowns. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Jam Miller (RB): 22 carries, 136 rushing yards, 1 touchdown. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Germie Bernard & Ryan Williams: Each hauled in touchdown catches; Williams had 6 receptions for 98 yards. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Defense / Turnovers: Alabama forced 3 takeaways (2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble) which proved decisive in key moments. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
Vanderbilt
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Diego Pavia (QB): Completed 183 yards passing and scrambled for 58 yards total. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Sedrick Alexander (RB): Delivered a stunning 65‑yard touchdown burst in the first. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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But after a strong first half, Vanderbilt’s ground game was throttled — only 9 rushing yards in the second half. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
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Vanderbilt turned the ball over in the red zone (interception and fumble), stalling drives that might have changed momentum. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
Turning Points & Tactical Insights
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Red Zone Efficiency vs. Missed Opportunities
Alabama converted all four of its red zone visits into points, capitalizing on field position. Vanderbilt, in contrast, saw two drives end in turnovers when they were closest to scoring. (Vanderbilt Athletics) -
Second‑Half Offensive Decline for Vanderbilt
After a solid first half, Vanderbilt essentially lost its rushing attack and passing balance in the second half, which allowed Bama’s defense to tee off. (Vanderbilt Athletics) -
Turnovers & Momentum Shifts
The forced turnovers by Alabama, especially when Vanderbilt was threatening in the red zone, swung momentum decisively. (Vanderbilt Athletics) -
Balanced Attack for Alabama
The Tide’s mix of explosive passing and steady rushing kept Vanderbilt off-balance. Simpson’s high completion rate and Miller’s ground production made it hard for Vanderbilt’s defense to key on just one dimension.
What It Means & Looking Ahead
This victory over a ranked Vanderbilt squad shows that Alabama is capable of bouncing back from adversity. It also acts as a measure of revenge after last season’s upset in Nashville.
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The Crimson Tide improve their SEC standing and solidify their résumé for national ranking ascension.
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Vanderbilt, though beaten, demonstrated flashes of explosiveness but needs consistency and ball security if they want to contend in the SEC.
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For Alabama, maintaining this level of efficiency and avoiding sloppy mistakes will be crucial through the tougher stretch of their schedule.
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