When the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the Vanderbilt Commodores, few expected what turned into one of the most surprising upsets of the 2024 college football season. This game didn’t just shift rankings — it told a story of momentum, smart plays, and key individual performances. Understanding Alabama Crimson Tide football vs Vanderbilt football match player stats helps fans and analysts break down how Vanderbilt pulled off the 40–35 win against the top-ranked Crimson Tide.
This article walks you through every detail — from star quarterback numbers to defensive steals — and gives you a complete stat-based view of what happened. You’ll also learn which players stood out, what team stats revealed, and how this match will be remembered in college football history. Whether you’re an Alabama fan or support Vanderbilt, this game had something that shocked everyone.
What Happened in the Alabama vs Vanderbilt Game?
The game between Alabama and Vanderbilt took place on October 5, 2024, and will go down in history for its thrilling result. Vanderbilt defeated No. 1 Alabama with a final score of 40–35, a result few saw coming. Alabama came in unbeaten and expected to dominate, but Vanderbilt executed a solid game plan, made fewer mistakes, and turned opportunities into points. This game was played at Vanderbilt’s home stadium, and the energy of the crowd clearly gave them a boost.
What made this win even more shocking was the history behind it. Vanderbilt had not beaten Alabama in over 40 years, and this was their first win ever over a Top‑5 ranked opponent. The game included big plays, smart defense, and most importantly — consistent effort by Vanderbilt from start to finish. For fans and analysts alike, this game was not just an upset — it was a statement win.
| Player | Team | Position | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | Tackles | INT | DEF TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Milroe | Alabama | QB | 312 | 1 | 10 | 1 | – | – | – | 1 | 0 |
| Jam Miller | Alabama | RB | – | – | 45 | 2 | – | – | – | – | 0 |
| Roydell Williams | Alabama | RB | – | – | 22 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 |
| Isaiah Bond | Alabama | WR | – | – | – | – | 57 | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| Kobe Prentice | Alabama | WR | – | – | – | – | 39 | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| Malachi Moore | Alabama | DB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | – | 0 |
| Dallas Turner | Alabama | LB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 8 | – | 0 |
| Terrion Arnold | Alabama | CB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | QB | 252 | 2 | 56 | 0 | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| Sedrick Alexander | Vanderbilt | RB | – | – | 64 | 2 | – | – | – | – | 0 |
| Patrick Smith | Vanderbilt | RB | – | – | 25 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 |
| Eli Stowers | Vanderbilt | TE | – | – | – | – | 113 | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| Jayden McGowan | Vanderbilt | WR | – | – | 8 | 0 | 41 | 1 | – | – | 0 |
| De’Rickey Wright | Vanderbilt | DB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| C.J. Taylor | Vanderbilt | LB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | – | 0 |
| Randon Fontenette | Vanderbilt | LB | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Top Alabama Crimson Tide Player Stats
In a game where Alabama Crimson Tide fell short despite their strong offensive firepower, several individual players still stood out with impressive stats. Quarterback Jalen Milroe led the charge through the air, completing 19 of 25 passes for 312 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown on 7 carries, though only gained 10 yards on the ground. Milroe’s performance showed both precision and composure, especially in the second half when Alabama was attempting a comeback. His connection with receivers remained reliable, but critical moments were lost due to turnovers and time pressure. Despite the loss, Milroe’s passing accuracy and deep-throw capability gave Alabama fans some bright spots.
Running back Jam Miller played a key role in Alabama’s red zone effectiveness, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns on just 5 carries, totaling 45 yards. His explosive plays helped the Crimson Tide close the gap in the third quarter. Wide receiver Ryan Williams also had a standout game, grabbing 3 passes for 82 yards, including a long touchdown that electrified Alabama’s bench. These key offensive stats reflect that Alabama wasn’t lacking in firepower — they simply lost control of time, possession, and crucial defensive plays. While the team ultimately fell, the performance of its offensive stars still reflects the elite caliber associated with Crimson Tide football.
Top Vanderbilt Football Player Stats
Vanderbilt’s win over Alabama was no accident — it was built on smart, disciplined football and star-making performances. Quarterback Diego Pavia played one of the most efficient games of his career, completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. In addition to his passing skills, he also ran the ball 20 times for 56 yards, showing his dual-threat ability. Pavia’s quick reads, smart scrambling, and calm under pressure were critical to Vanderbilt’s ability to maintain long drives. His stat line doesn’t just tell you about numbers — it tells a story of leadership, patience, and execution when it mattered most. His performance played a huge role in keeping Alabama’s defense on the field and tiring them out over time.
Alongside Pavia, Sedrick Alexander handled the ground game with poise and power. Carrying the ball 21 times for 64 yards and scoring 2 rushing touchdowns, Alexander consistently chipped away at Alabama’s defensive line, wearing them down across all four quarters. Vanderbilt’s passing attack was also powered by tight end Eli Stowers, who emerged as a reliable target with 6 receptions for 113 yards. Stowers’ ability to get open in the middle of the field made it easy for Pavia to convert on third downs. These individual stats prove that Vanderbilt didn’t win by luck — their key players delivered consistently and capitalized on every opportunity Alabama gave them.
Key Game-Winning Plays & Defensive Highlights
One of the biggest moments that turned the tide in Vanderbilt’s favor came early in the game when linebacker Randon Fontenette intercepted Jalen Milroe and returned it for a touchdown. This pick-six put Vanderbilt on the board and gave them a surprising early lead of 13–0 in the first quarter. That defensive score immediately shifted the energy in the stadium and gave Vanderbilt players the belief that they could compete toe-to-toe with the No. 1 ranked team. From that point on, the Commodores stayed aggressive, making crucial defensive stops and forcing Alabama into uncomfortable positions on third downs. It wasn’t just about one big play — it was about consistent, smart defensive football.
Vanderbilt’s defense stood tall when it mattered most. They held Alabama to just 17:52 of possession time — an incredibly low number for a team known for dominating the ball. The Commodores’ defense didn’t allow any big rushing gains and limited red zone conversions. Alabama had two turnovers, both of which led to Vanderbilt scoring drives. In contrast, Vanderbilt had zero turnovers, a huge stat that highlighted their discipline and focus throughout the match. These defensive highlights, combined with offensive efficiency, are what turned this into a historic victory for Vanderbilt — not just a fluke or lucky break, but a team executing on every level.
Overall Team Stats Comparison
The team stats tell a clear story: Vanderbilt controlled this game in nearly every major category. While Alabama managed 394 total yards, Vanderbilt edged them out with 418 yards, showing just how well their offense operated. One of the most shocking statistics from the game was time of possession — Vanderbilt had the ball for over 42 minutes, while Alabama only had it for under 18 minutes. That kind of ball control wears down a defense and limits offensive opportunities, and it clearly showed by the end of the fourth quarter. With fewer chances to score, Alabama’s offensive firepower wasn’t enough to carry them.
Vanderbilt was also far more efficient on third downs, converting 12 of 18 attempts, while Alabama struggled to sustain drives. The Commodores didn’t commit a single turnover, and their penalty count was significantly lower than Alabama’s. When you look at the full team stats — from first downs to rushing attempts to red zone success — Vanderbilt was the more complete team that day. These numbers prove the upset wasn’t accidental. It was the result of good strategy, fewer mistakes, and better execution on both sides of the ball.
Historical Context & Significance of the Matchup
This wasn’t just another SEC game — it was a historic moment for Vanderbilt football. Before this matchup, Vanderbilt had not beaten Alabama since 1984, making this the first win in over four decades. Even more impressive, it marked the first time ever that Vanderbilt beat a Top‑5 team, making it one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history. Alabama came into the game ranked #1 in the AP Poll, and after the loss, dropped down to #7, showing just how much weight this game carried. For the Commodores, this wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement to the rest of the SEC.
The ripple effects of this game were felt beyond the rankings. Quarterback Diego Pavia gained national attention, and Vanderbilt’s coaching staff was praised for their game plan and clock management. Analysts called it a “textbook example” of how underdogs can beat giants with discipline and strategy. Fans rushed the field. Social media exploded. The entire college football world had to take notice. For Alabama, it served as a warning: no team is unbeatable, and every SEC matchup counts. For Vanderbilt, it became a landmark victory that could change the perception of their football program for years to come.
FAQs on Player Stats in Alabama vs Vanderbilt Game
Who had the most passing yards in the game?
Jalen Milroe of Alabama had the most passing yards, throwing for 312 yards. He showed strong arm talent and completed 19 of 25 passes, though he also threw an interception. Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt followed with 252 passing yards on just 20 attempts, delivering a highly efficient performance.
Which player scored the most touchdowns?
Two players tied for the most touchdowns — Jam Miller of Alabama and Sedrick Alexander of Vanderbilt — each scored two rushing touchdowns. Both were critical in keeping their teams competitive on the scoreboard.
How did the quarterbacks compare?
Milroe had more total yards but committed a key interception. Pavia, on the other hand, had fewer yards but no turnovers, plus better control of the tempo. Pavia’s smart decision-making helped Vanderbilt dominate possession time.
What defensive play changed the game?
The most impactful defensive play came from Vanderbilt’s Randon Fontenette, who had a pick-six early in the game. That turnover gave Vanderbilt a major momentum boost and a double-digit lead.
Did Alabama’s star players underperform?
Not exactly. Milroe, Miller, and Williams all had strong individual stats. But collectively, Alabama’s defense couldn’t stop Vanderbilt’s long drives, and two turnovers proved costly.
What Player Stats Tell Us About the Outcome
When analyzing this Alabama Crimson Tide vs Vanderbilt football match, the player stats reveal more than just numbers — they highlight how one team played efficiently while the other made key mistakes. Alabama had explosive moments with long passes and quick touchdowns, but they couldn’t sustain drives. Their 17:52 time of possession shows how little control they had over the game’s rhythm. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt executed nearly flawlessly. No turnovers, long possessions, and smart play-calling helped them beat the clock and Alabama’s defense. Diego Pavia’s calm leadership and Alexander’s ground attack were essential in keeping drives alive.
The contrast between individual brilliance and team coordination is stark. Alabama had a higher yards-per-play average and more big plays, but Vanderbilt had 12 third-down conversions compared to Alabama’s 5, showing who truly dictated the pace. The box score tells you Alabama had talent — but Vanderbilt had better game management. These statistics show that football isn’t only about raw skill — it’s also about who plays smarter, who makes fewer mistakes, and who takes advantage of every opportunity. That’s exactly what Vanderbilt did.
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Where to Find Full Box Scores & Video Highlights
If you want to dive deeper into the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Vanderbilt football match player stats, there are several reliable places to find the complete breakdowns. Websites like ESPN, CBS Sports, and NCAA.com have full box scores that include detailed stats for every player — from passing yards to tackles. These platforms update in real-time during the game and offer easy-to-read formats afterward. You can filter by team, individual player, or even quarter-by-quarter summaries.
For video highlights, head to YouTube, the official SEC Network, or each school’s athletic department page. Vanderbilt and Alabama both post condensed game replays, individual player highlights, and press conferences. If you want a visual breakdown of how the key plays unfolded — like Fontenette’s interception return or Pavia’s clutch throws — these clips are the best way to relive the excitement. Many of these videos also come with commentary that helps break down strategy, which can be useful for fans who want to understand how Vanderbilt outplayed Alabama beyond just the score.
Conclusion
The game between Alabama Crimson Tide Football vs Vanderbilt Football Match Player Statswasn’t just a shocker — it was a blueprint for how underdogs can rise to the occasion. When we look at the match player stats, we see a complete performance from Vanderbilt — a team that used smart football, steady quarterback play, and consistent defense to topple the nation’s No. 1 team. Diego Pavia’s dual-threat skillset, Alexander’s power running, and Fontenette’s defensive play were all defining moments that made history.
For Alabama, despite solid numbers from Milroe, Miller, and Williams, the story was one of missed chances and lack of control. Their short time of possession and two costly turnovers created an uphill battle they couldn’t overcome. This matchup will be talked about for years — not just for the upset, but for how the numbers clearly told the story of a team that came prepared. Whether you’re a fan of stats or just love great football, this game had everything: big plays, drama, and a historic result.
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