Vanderbilt heads into "College GameDay" matchup against Alabama
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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
It's brutal out there for many Nashville football fans, but Vanderbilt's steadily improving program is offering a brilliant bright spot.
Why it matters: While the Tennessee Titans have plunged to new lows in their first few games, the Commodores are off to a historic start.
- Vandy marches into the weekend nationally ranked with a 5-0 record and the national spotlight.
State of play: The No. 16 Dores face off against No. 10 Alabama on Saturday. The high-stakes game in Tuscaloosa is ESPN's "College GameDay" selection.
- It is Vanderbilt's second "College GameDay" appearance in team history. The first, in 2008, was a surprise win against Auburn.
Zoom in: Alabama is climbing its way back to playoff contention after a Week 1 loss to Florida State.
- Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has 11 touchdown passes under his belt this year, putting him in a tie for the most touchdowns without an interception, per ESPN.
The big picture: Vanderbilt is hoping to continue its promising season with a do-over of the electric 2024 upset win against Alabama.
What he's saying: Quarterback Diego Pavia said last year's victory was a turning point for the team.
- "We finally got people to believe in Vanderbilt football," Pavia said earlier this year.
Yes, and: He wants to keep the momentum going.
- "From here on out, obviously we've got to win more games to get the things done that we want," he told reporters in July.
- "Winning solves everything."
By the numbers: Vanderbilt has already done a lot to set itself up for success. The team won each of its first five games by 20-plus points for the first time since 1915.
- The offense is ranked fourth in the nation.
Reality check: College football analyst David Pollack predicted Saturday's game could be close, but he thought Alabama's punchy offense gives it an advantage.
The bottom line: Pavia told reporters he decided to return to Vanderbilt this year with a specific goal in mind.
- "The mission ain't finished," Pavia said. "We want to win a national championship."
📺 How to watch: "GameDay" begins at 8am Saturday on ESPN.
- The game itself will air on ABC. Kickoff is scheduled at 2:30pm.