The Vanderbilt Commodores posted perhaps the biggest win in program history on Saturday by upsetting top-ranked Alabama 40-35.

The Crimson Tide won the opening coin toss and postponed. And Vanderbilt immediately drove down the field for a seven-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to take the lead.

It was the first time since 2007 that Vandy opened a game against Alabama with a touchdown, and that was Nick Saban’s second game as coach. Alabama rallied to win 24-10 that day.

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Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate a touchdown in the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville on Saturday, October 5, 2024. (Denny Simmons/The Tennessean/USA Today)

The Commodores carried a 23-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Vanderbilt added 17 points in the second half and held off a furious comeback attempt by No. 1 Alabama to secure the win in Nashville.

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Jalen Milroe, one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates after turning in a dazzling performance to stop Georgia last week in Tuscaloosa, finished Saturday’s rout with 312 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) hands the ball to running back AJ Newberry (23) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, October 5, 202. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Images)

Prior to Saturday, Vanderbilt last defeated Alabama on September 29, 1984.

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Saturday’s improbable victory improved Vanderbilt’s record to 3-2, while Alabama lost for the first time. The Crimson Tide return home next week and will look to bounce back against South Carolina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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