Vanderbilt is worthy of being ranked right now, as it prepares to host No. 1 Alabama on Saturday. Even after two top-25 finishes for the Dores in this decade, that still feels wild to type.
From players to coaches to fans, Vandy wants Bama. So here comes Bama.
The problem is usually what happens once you get Bama, but good for the Dores for believing in themselves.
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
With a 3-0 start, an upset win over previously ranked Kansas State, and one of the nation’s best defenses (No. 11 in yards per play vs. FBS teams, No. 16 in S&P+), Vandy believes in itself, no matter the opponent.
That extends from coaches ...
“I truly believe our guys are going to get to work today, hammer out the plan over the next couple of days, and we’ll have something for Alabama,” [head coach Derek] Mason said, who added that Alabama has one of the best run defenses in the country.
Mason admitted that the running problems are partly because opponents are stacking the line of scrimmage and forcing Vanderbilt to beat them by passing. Because of that, it’s up to the Commodores to win one-on-one battles.
“Do we have challenges? Yes,” Mason said. “But this team doesn’t fear anybody.
... to players ...
“We expected to get this [win over Kansas State],” [defensive lineman] Nifae Lealeo told WSMV News 4. “When you come to our house, we show you how to play some SEC ball. It don’t matter where you from. You’re going to know what ball we play. We’re going into next week ranked. That’s fine. Alabama, you’re next.”
... and even to fans.
It was faint, because 20,000 of the announced 38,000 sellout crowd in Vanderbilt Stadium were Kansas State fans, but you could hear it:
“WE WANT BAMA. WE WANT BAMA.”
Vandy’s cutting some good rasslin’ promos, but about all you’re gonna get out of Bama’s side publicly in response to being NEXT is this very literal observation by QB Jalen Hurts: “Theoretically, we are next on their schedule.”
Everybody wants Bama. The bad part usually happens when you get Bama. Of course, the Tide haven’t needed opponents to actually say anything to whip up bulletin-board material before, and Saban’s known for convincing his players they can lose to anyone, so be certain this is all on loop in Tuscaloosa.
More college football
- What’s wrong with Michigan’s offense? And more stories told by numbers.
- Ole Miss’ future game contracts show at least one could be canceled because of NCAA stuff.
- My new favorite player is this Ohio safety who’s made an in-game hobby of stealing opponents’ towels.
- THIS WEEK IN SCHADENFREUDE: anguished coaching recommendations for Nebraska, LSU, and others, including the Last Chance U coach to the Vols.
- How Ohio State finally switched its offense up, somewhat.
- So ... what’s wrong with Stanford?
- Former No. 3 recruit Byron Cowart’s exit isn’t a big loss for Auburn. These things happen.
- Let’s talk to the head coach who snapped Division I’s longest losing streak.
- Today in flight-tracker art: an enormous Texas logo.
- Here’s a nine-second sideline video with lots of middle fingers that explains just what Florida-Tennessee is really all about.
- New rule for the Life Championship: possession by a ranked team means the belt goes back to Tennessee. No ranked team is worthy of the strap.
See More:
