Overview
- Alabama beat Vanderbilt 21-6 on Saturday, Nov. 14, moving to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the SEC after a game defined by defensive control.
- Quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns while showing reduced elusiveness and committing a turnover, and coaches said they will monitor his ankle before deciding if his snaps will be limited or if Austin Mack will start next week.
- The Crimson Tide defense registered five sacks and held Vanderbilt to a season-low 235 yards of total offense, repeatedly stopping the run and forcing failed red-zone chances.
- Vanderbilt produced key turnovers and a long field goal but hurt itself with 14 penalties for 92 yards that wiped out drives and stalled momentum.
- The win preserved Alabama's place in the SEC race and kept College Football Playoff hopes alive while raising immediate focus on quarterback health and whether the offense can start faster in coming weeks.