Vanderbilt 5-0 Heads to Alabama with College GameDay

Vanderbilt (5-0) has surged under coach Clark Lea, offensive coordinator Tim Beck and transfer quarterback Diego Pavia, turning last season’s 40-35 upset of No. 1 Alabama into sustained momentum that earned a Saturday College GameDay visit to Tuscaloosa. Pavia’s play, swagger and growing Heisman buzz — aided by a varied pistol/option scheme and an experienced group including RB Sedrick Alexander, MK Young and TE Eli Stowers — have reshaped perceptions of the Commodores. Lea credits culture‑building and continuity for a turnaround that also produced Vanderbilt’s first bowl eligibility since 2018, and a win in Tuscaloosa would move the program from surprise story to legitimate College Football Playoff contender. Analysts say Alabama is not the overwhelming machine of old and has shown run‑defense vulnerabilities, giving Vanderbilt a realistic path if it executes. Keys for Vanderbilt include cutting penalties, getting big contributions from the run game and having corners contain Alabama’s elite receiving corps.