What was the World like the last time Vanderbilt beat Alabama?

Throughout time, the world changes as do players and coaches. Football is constantly evolving and adapting, sometimes for the better or for the worse. One aspect that has not evolved is The University of Alabama's dominance over Vanderbilt University. The last time the Commodores conquered the Crimson Tide was back in 1984, when the 3-0 Commodores walked into Bryant-Denny Stadium and defeated the 1-2 Crimson Tide. Let's dive in to what the world looked like all the way back in 1984.

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Sports

The sports world looks drastically different today compared to 1984. The entire philosophy of football has changed, going from "defense wins championships," and a run first mentality to an offensive-minded, pass-first game. The Chicago Bears were about to unleash arguably the greatest team in NFL history, led by Walter Payton and Mike Singletary. A new era in the NBA was about to unfold with Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton all being drafted in that years NBA draft. The United States won the most gold medals in the Summer Olympics. Wayne Gretzky won his 4th MVP award and his first ever championship. Finally, Nick Saban was 33 years old, coaching as an assistant at Michigan State.

Prices

One gallon of regular gas in 1984 was $1.21, now it is $3.23.
A gallon of milk was $2.26, now it has jumped to $4.38 for a gallon of conventional milk.
The median price of a new home was shy of $100,000, it is currently $306,000.
The median household income in 1984 was $22,415.00.
A dozen eggs cost a little more than a dollar in 1984, now it is $1.83.
In 1984, the sticker price of the popular Chevrolet Cavalier was around 16k, now a brand new car is approaching 50k.

Pop Culture

The Top Hits from the last time the Commodores toppled the Tide can now be found on the oldies station. Top hits from 1984 such as Jump by Van Halen, Footloose by Kenny Loggins, Hello by Lionel Richie, and When Doves Cry by Prince all reached No. 1 at one point throughout the year. Believe it or not, there was color TV when Vanderbilt last took down Alabama, some of the blockbusters this year were the original Ghostbusters, The Terminator, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Beverly Hills Cop.

Politics

Vanderbilt's win over Alabama in 1984 wasn't the only big victory the United States witnessed that year. Ronald Reagan won the presidential election in a landslide against Walter Mondale. Reagan won every state besides Mondale's native state of Minnesota. Alabama governor Kay Ivey was the assistant director of the Alabama Development Office and Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox was only 11. At the time, current U.S President Joe Biden was serving as Delaware's senator.

In 1984, the top rated TV show was Dynasty, now in 2022 the top rated dynasty is the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. It's fun to look back at history as it allows us to appreciate what we have today. We now have to realize that we have greatness that we may never see again right in front of our faces.