The college football world was shocked in Week 6 when arguably the season’s biggest upset happened in the 3:30 window. Making matters even wilder in this day and era, it was in an SEC game that featured a three-touchdown spread and the No. 1 team in the country.
Vanderbilt Waited 40 Years to Beat Alabama
The last time Vanderbilt beat Alabama was in 1984. September 29, 1984, to be exact.
Well, that was until October 5, 2024, when Vanderbilt knocked off then No. 1 Alabama by a score of 40-35.
That means the Commodores waited over 40 years to knock off their conference foe. And they did so in spectacular fashion.
Led by QB Diego Pavia, the ‘Dores paced the Crimson Tide early and often, using their dual-threat quarterback to lead a brilliant offensive game plan at home. The defense played up to their standard, if not exceeding expectations, and chipped in with a touchdown of their own off an interception returned for six points.
MORE: Biggest Upsets in College Football History
Not only is this Vandy’s first win against Alabama in 40 years, it’s also their first win at home against Alabama in even longer. That’s right, the last time Vanderbilt beat Alabama in Nashville was back on November 11, 1969, as the program was encroaching on the 55th anniversary of the last time they defeated the Tide at home.
With their recent string of success — 39 years of victories — it’s no wonder that Alabama holds the distinctive edge in their all-time series. Alabama leads the series still, but Vandy is .. closing in on the Tide. The current all-time series record is Alabama, 63-18-4.
When Was the Last Time Alabama Lost to An Unranked SEC Opponent?
The Tide have had their fair share of epic battles with top-tier and highly-ranked SEC foes over the years. ‘Bama lost to Tennessee and LSU on the road during the 2022 season, but both the Vols and Tigers were ranked in the top 10.
To find when the last time Alabama lost to an unranked SEC opponent, you have to go back a bit further. Back in 2021, Alabama went to College Station and fell, 41-38, to Texas A&M on October 9.
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