DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
Alabama defeated Vanderbilt 30–14 in a double-digit victory. Alabama covered by 2.5; Game went Under by 13.5. The market closed at Alabama -13.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Alabama -10.9, an edge of 2.6 points toward Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt's offense failed to maintain rhythm in the second half, managing only 9 rushing yards after averaging 12.7 yards per carry in the first half. This allowed Alabama to control time of possession and limit scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Diego Pavia threw an interception and lost a fumble, both occurring in the red zone. These turnovers prevented Vanderbilt from scoring in two key situations, directly impacting the final score.
The Commodores' run game showed promise, but they struggled to throw the ball downfield effectively. To compete as a serious SEC contender, they must develop a more balanced passing attack.
Despite the loss, Vanderbilt's competitive performance on the road against a top-10 opponent may keep them in the AP Top 25, though they could slip slightly. The team has a bye week before hosting No. 13 LSU.
Ty Simpson threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns with a 76.7% completion rate, marking his third game above 75% in four starts, solidifying his status as a top SEC quarterback.
Alabama converted all four red zone trips into points, while forcing two critical turnovers in the red zone that prevented Vanderbilt from scoring, highlighting a key advantage in tight games.
After allowing 126 rushing yards on 12.7 yards per carry in the first half, Alabama limited Vanderbilt to just nine rushing yards in the second half, showcasing effective halftime adjustments.
Running back Jam Miller rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown, providing a balanced offensive attack that complemented Simpson's passing and controlled the clock.
Alabama has now beaten two top-20 opponents in a row, building confidence and likely rising in the AP poll, setting a positive tone for their upcoming road game at No. 19 Missouri.
At kickoff, conditions at Bryant-Denny Stadium were Cloudy, 78°F with winds of 5 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Cloudy
78°F

| Measure | VanderbiltAway | AlabamaHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 207 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Home game | 493 miles |
| Season total | 1,653 miles | 1,032 miles |
| Body clock | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Rest | 7 days | 7 days |