Overview

• Alabama sophomore receiver Ryan Williams told Jon Gruden he plans to “kill an ant with a sledgehammer” when the Crimson Tide face Vanderbilt.
• Last season’s 40-35 Commodores upset over Alabama ended a 23-game losing streak and still resonates after they overcame a 22.5-point underdog line.
• Spring camp reports indicate Alabama’s defense has grown quicker and more assertive to pressure Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
• Alabama will debut a new starting quarterback in place of Jalen Milroe, introducing uncertainty into Vanderbilt’s defensive preparations.
• The October 4 rematch at Bryant-Denny Stadium is among the SEC’s most anticipated games, driven by revenge and rising tension.