Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Vanderbilt
The Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) heads to Nashville to begin SEC play against the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0).
Commodores head coach Derek Mason is in his fourth season with Vanderbilt and this is his first game against the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban is 3-0 against Vanderbilt, 2-0 while at Alabama. The Crimson Tide is going into this game with a 21-game win streak against the Commodres with a 34-0 victory from the Crimson Tide back in 2011.
With the Commodores trying to compete with the top teams of the SEC East, and the Crimson Tide trying to continue to dominate the conference as a whole, here is who the Tide 102.9 staff have coming out of Nashville with a victory.
Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz
Bama nation it's time to "Pump the Brakes" on this Vandy hype and the demise of the Bama D! Bama plays it's most complete game in Nashville and slam the 'Dores on Vandy with an impressive 5 score win. Jalen continues to improve and spread the wealth amongst the WRs. The RBs look dominant w/ the addition of Jacobs. Rahsaan Even's return gives Bama's D the edgy feel Bama fans expect. Bama except the challenge of being next and stomps a mud hole in Vandy and stretches it win streak to 22. Alabama 48 - Vanderbilt 13
Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
The Alabama program has a huge mental edge over most teams and especially Vanderbilt. The Bama defense will return several guys and the overall speed will pick up. I Look for Jalen Hurts to control this game and Bama will pick up its first SEC win in easy fashion. Alabama 41 - Vanderbilt 6
Wimp Sanderson, Host of Inside the Locker Room
Look for Bama to play its most complete game of the year in all phases. Alabama's depth will prove too much for Vandy to handle for 4 quarters. Vandy will get a late score but this one will not be close. Alabama 38 - Vanderbilt 13
Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show
Alabama is 3-0 and ranked number one in the country, yet there are people questioning just how good of a football team is Alabama? This Saturday, the Tide opens SEC play on the road in Nashville against 3-0 Vanderbilt. The Commodores are suddenly riding high and I keep reading how Vandy will take the Tide down to the wire. I'm not buying it. Alabama makes a statement on Saturday in Music City! Alabama 31 - Vanderbilt 10
Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports
Lost in the Crimson Tide's rivalries with Auburn and LSU is the fact that it has faced Vanderbilt two more times on the football field than either of the Tigers. Unfortunately for Vandy, it has dropped 61 of the 83 meetings between the two teams, including 21 in a row. The last time Alabama visited Vanderbilt Stadium was in Nick Saban’s first season, when the Crimson Tide took a 24-10 in Saban’s SEC debut as UA coach. Expect the spread to be by a few more this time around. Alabama 31 - Vanderbilt 10
Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach
I know, odd score, right. Well, this is an odd game. For starters, Vanderbilt has the higher ranked defense. Regardless, Alabama wins. Alabama 25 - Vanderbilt 8
Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game
Last time I checked, Vanderbilt is still the opponent on Saturday afternoon. I am not buying the doubt that we have heard lately from the Alabama fan base. However, I do trust the experts in the desert (Vegas), they set the line at -19.5 on Sunday afternoon and it has remained steady for most of the week. Alabama’s defense has the negative talk and they will answer the call on Saturday with a great performance. I also believe Jalen Hurts will run all over the Commodore defense, which in return will open some passing lanes. Alabama destroys Vanderbilt’s hope and faith and begins a 3 game losing streak for Vandy. Alabama 31 - Vanderbilt 10
Ben George, Digital Managing Editor
As if 2017 hasn’t already been crazy enough, we now live in a world where Vanderbilt has the nation’s best defense and a quarterback that ranks 6th nationally in passer rating, which has the Commodores undefeated and feeling pretty confident about their team. Enter Alabama. The No. 1 team in the nation will head to Nashville to bring a dose of reality back to the West End. Vanderbilt’s style of play on offense doesn’t usually end well against an Alabama defense. Unless Kyle Shurmur gets loads of time to throw all afternoon, Vandy doesn’t have the ability to go four quarters with Alabama. This one could look a lot like the last time they met in 2011: low scoring early, a close game at halftime, and Alabama pulls away in the second half. Alabama 31 - Vanderbilt 10
Thomas Paradiso, Producer
Alabama finally opens up SEC play this week, and as weird as this sounds, they take on a confident Vanderbilt team. After Vandy pulled off the upset against Kansas State, the Commodores come into this match-up looking to cause chaos. Alabama might get off to a slow start, but ultimately I think the Tide takes care of business in Nashville. Alabama 28 - Vanderbilt 6
James Hardy, Producer
Historically, Vandy has been a thorn in Alabama's side, especially in Nashville. While the Commodores have stymied their first three opponents thanks to an outstanding defense. However, they have not faced a quarterback with the mobility and overall dynamic play making ability that Jalen Hurts brings to the table. Alabama 31 - Vanderbilt 10
Marquis Munson, Brand Manager
I've been hearing a lot of talk about this Vanderbilt defensive unit. They only gave up 13 points in three games and allow 198.3 yards per game. However, if you look at those three game, none of those teams have the offensive talent like Alabama. On the other side of the football, the Alabama defensive hopefully had their "Coming to Jesus" moment and figured out how to play through all these injuries and empty pieces in the rotation. If Alabama's pass rush can perform similar to the way they did against Florida State, this will smooth sailing for the Crimson Tide down in Nashville. Alabama 34 - Vanderbilt 14