Across the college world, Saturday afternoon's game is being presented as historic. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Vanderbilt Commodores have not met as two ranked teams since 1937. That game was in Nashville, and the No. 4-ranked Crimson Tide beat the No. 12-ranked Commodores 9-7.
In nine regular-season games, Alabama's 1937 team surrendered a total of 20 points. After the win over Vandy, Alabama lost in the Rose Bowl to California, 13-0.
For lovers of college football history, such facts are interesting. They are also noteworthy as an indication of Vanderbilt's extraordinary rise to relevance. It is stunning that a ranked Vandy team is coming to Tuscaloosa with a chance for back-to-back wins against Alabama.
Even more stunning is that the game will feature two Heisman-contending quarterbacks. Ty Simpson is, by starting experience, an upstart. Diego Pavia is playing in his sixth college football season. Including his Junior College seasons, Pavia has started in over 50 games.
Alabama football fans may consider it stunning that the Commodores have in Pavia a quarterback considered one of college football's best. What is truly astonishing is how well a 4-game career starter, Ty Simpson, compares statistically with Pavia.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Vanderbilt Quarterback Comparison
- In Total QBR (quarterback rating that calculates passing and running), Pavia is college football's No. 3 at 88.4. Simpson is No. 12 at 84.2.
- A lesser-known stat for rating quarterbacks is expected points per dropback, provided by collegefootballdata.com. Among all FBS QBs, Simpson is No. 3 and Pavis is No. 4.
- At 50%, Diego Pavia slightly edges Simpson's 48% for first-down or touchdown completions on third down.
- In first down or touchdown completions per pass attempt, Pavia is 46% and Simpson is 41.7%.
- Pavia has been far more productive in rushing yards with 294 yards to Simpson's 57 yards. Pavia has 48 carries to Simpson's 21.
- In passing yards per attempt, the two QBs are almost equal. Simpson is at nine yards, and Pavia is at 9.6 yards.
- In passing yards per completion, Simpson and Pavia are even closer. Simpson's number is 12.93 yards, and Pavia's is 12.88 yards.
- Both quarterbacks have been good at not making turnovers. Pavia has only three. Simpson has been more than good with none.
Diego Pavia is a tremendous player who has earned his recognition. Ty Simpson is an emerging star. How well Simpson compares statistically to Pavia is stunning for two primary reasons. One is Pavia's huge advantage in starter experience. The other reason is that Pavia's 2025 stats have come with Vandy having a No. 88 SOS, while Simpson's have come against a No. 4 SOS.
Note: Stats provided by 247Sports and Sports Reference