Alabama re-established itself as a National Championship contender by earning a signature road win over Georgia last week, but that game is now securely in the rearview mirror, and the next challenge is here. Vanderbilt brings an undefeated record into Tuscaloosa this weekend and a confidence that it can have success against the Crimson Tide.
As Nick Saban once said, Alabama is going to have to change the way they think.
But this isn't your father's Vanderbilt. This is a really, really good football team. Vanderbilt is not only 5-0, but they've won every game this season by at least 20 points. That includes two road wins over Power Four foes in Virginia Tech and South Carolina.
Led by Diego Pavia, there's a swagger and confidence in Nashville that hasn't existed in any of our lifetimes.
It will take a total team effort, and some X-Factors, for Alabama to earn a hard-fought home win over a quality opponent.
3 players who could be X-Factors for Alabama against Vanderbilt
CB Dijon Lee
The freshman cornerback could be called upon to play a bigger role this weekend as Alabama will need a physical presence on the perimeter to combat the prolific Vanderbilt run game.
The Commodores will see the success Georgia had a week ago with bouncing runs to the outside, particularly with senior CB Domani Jackson in pursuit, and try to do the same things. Lee could be Kane Wommack's answer.
The freshman brought the physicality last week against Georgia to stop what turned out to be the Bulldogs' final offensive snap. He blew through a block and tackled RB Cash Jones for a loss that forced Georgia to punt:
Dijon Lee was a five-star for a reason coming out of @missionfootball
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) October 1, 2025
The 6-foot-4 frame & elite coverage skills at that size is rare. Can’t teach it.
It’s the physicality, as evident in this clip, that makes Lee even more special IMO. pic.twitter.com/FGcaDfyi9Z
Those are the types of plays Alabama is going to have to make to find defensive success against Vanderbilt.
DT Edric Hill
Redshirt sophomore Edric Hill is set to make his first career start this weekend. Starting DT James Smith will miss the first half thanks to a questionable targeting penalty in the second half of Alabama's win over Georgia. Hill held up well in relief and has provided quality depth for the Crimson Tide so far this season.
But Vanderbilt will provide a big test. The Commodores run an option-based offensive system, and winning at the point of attack will be critical to Alabama's success defensively. Stuffing the middle and forcing runs outside - with edge defenders being able to make plays - is how Alabama's defense can get off the field.
RB Jam Miller
Alabama's ground game still struggled to find much success against Georgia, but credit should go to Ryan Grubb for being stubborn with it anyway. He learned from his mistake in the season-opener against Florida State and stuck with it to maintain offensive balance.
It paid off on the final drive, with Jam Miller producing key runs of seven and five yards that ultimately helped Alabama get the two first downs needed to put the game away.
In his second game back from injury, Alabama will look to continue leaning on Miller in hopes of really sparking the run game. Miller rushed for 45 yards on just five attempts last season against Vanderbilt, and despite Alabama's prolific passing offense led by Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide will want to be much more balanced on offense this year.