Alabama’s Loss to Vanderbilt Explained
Nashville, TN. - I know it still stings for Alabama fans.
This loss will probably sting for a while. It was the first time many Alabama fans, both young and older, watched the Crimson Tide fall to the Commodores.
But what's the best way to move through your emotions?
Talk it out. And that's what we're doing here. Looking back at the box score, along with some key plays, what went wrong for Alabama in Nashville, Tennessee?
Time of Possession
Vanderbilt absolutely dominated Alabama in this phase of the game. What's the best way to stop a high-flying offense? 1. Never let it get in rhythm, and 2. Keep it on the sideline. That's what Vanderbilt was able to do. The Commodores controlled the time of possession, winning that phase of the game with 42:08, while Alabama held the ball for just 17:52.
Total Plays
Dominating the time of possession equates to dominating the total plays in the game, and this upset was no different. Vanderbilt ran 75 plays, while Alabama ran just 46.
Penalties
Alabama's trend continues to worry many, with the Crimson Tide once again playing undisciplined football on Saturday night, Alabama was penalized six times for a loss of 57 yards, while Vanderbilt was penalized three times for just 20 yards.
What were the biggest ones?
Illegal Numbering
With 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter, and Alabama down 13-7, the Crimson Tide forced a Commodore punt. After the play, it was realized Alabama made a big mental error - two players were wearing the No. 2 jersey on the field. Both Ryan Williams and Zabien Brown were on the field for the punt. The 15-yard penalty gave Vanderbilt a first down, and the Commodores would eventually score on the drive.
Illegal Forward Pass
Milroe and Alabama were trying to figure out anything on offense, and he connected with wide receiver Germie Bernard on a 47-yard catch to move Alabama to midfield after being backed up on their own five-yard line. The Crimson Tide punted, as the penalty occurred on a third down. Vanderbilt scored a touchdown on the next possession to take a 30-21 lead over Alabama. Alabama never led in the game against Vanderbilt.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The final penalty of the game. Not that Alabama would have been able to stop Vanderbilt, by defensive back Malachi Moore kicked the football, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to end the poor showing by Alabama.
Third Downs
Third down is the most critical down in football. A stop on third down means your defense gets off the field and your offense has a chance to score more points. Alabama's defense did not get off the field, with Vanderbilt converting 12 of 18 third downs in the game. Vanderbilt converted 12 third downs and scored on six drives offensively. Vanderbilt kept its defense rested as well, never going three-and-out in this game. Alabama went three and out twice.
Alabama's next game will come back inside Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 12 against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT.
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