Undefeated Vanderbilt Faces Top-10 Alabama in Pivotal College Football Playoff Contention Game

The Vanderbilt Commodores, led by quarterback Diego Pavia, have started the 2025 college football season undefeated and are gaining significant attention, with CBS Sports analyst Randy Cross predicting they could make the College Football Playoff. Vanderbilt, ranked in the top 20, will face the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide in a critical Week 6 matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where Alabama is the favorite but still considered vulnerable after a 3-1 start. Vanderbilt stunned Alabama with a 40-35 upset last season, and their current momentum has raised expectations for another competitive game. Expert betting odds heavily favor Alabama, but Vanderbilt's recent performances, including a 55-35 win over Utah State, suggest they are more than just an underdog. Meanwhile, in other college football news, the No. 18 Florida State Seminoles are preparing to face the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes following an upset loss, with Miami favored to win according to ESPN's Football Power Index. This in-state rivalry game will be crucial, with Florida State excelling in third-down conversions, potentially influencing the outcome when they clash under the lights at Doak Campbell Stadium.