The Alabama vs. Vanderbilt football rivalry is one of the oldest in college football, dating back to the early 20th century. While Alabama has been the more dominant team in modern times, there have been significant moments in the rivalry’s history that highlight the competitive spirit between these two Southeastern Conference (SEC) foes. Here’s a look at some of the key moments that have shaped the matchup over the decades.
Early History: The Beginning of the Rivalry (1903–1930s)
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Vanderbilt Commodores first met on the football field on November 11, 1903, with Vanderbilt winning the inaugural game 30-0. Vanderbilt was a powerhouse in the early 1900s under legendary coach Dan McGugin, and they dominated Alabama in the first years of the rivalry.
Throughout the early part of the 20th century, Vanderbilt remained a prominent football program in the Southern United States, frequently outperforming Alabama. From 1903 to 1939, the Commodores held a significant advantage in the rivalry, securing most of their victories during this period.
Turning of the Tide: Alabama’s Rise to Power (1940s–1960s)
The rivalry began to shift in the mid-20th century when Alabama started to establish itself as a national football powerhouse, particularly under coach Bear Bryant, who became head coach in 1958. Vanderbilt, while still competitive, could not keep pace with the rapid ascent of Alabama’s football program.
In 1950, one of the few bright spots for Vanderbilt during this era occurred when they beat Alabama 27-20, snapping a four-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide. However, as Alabama’s dominance grew, Vanderbilt victories became rare.
By the 1960s, Alabama was a national powerhouse, and under Bryant, the Tide consistently beat Vanderbilt. This era marked the beginning of Alabama’s long-standing control over the rivalry.
Alabama’s Domination Era (1970s–2000s)
From the 1970s onward, Alabama took almost complete control of the series. Their superior recruiting, coaching, and program stability allowed them to dominate not just Vanderbilt, but much of the SEC. During this period, Alabama developed into one of the most storied programs in college football, while Vanderbilt struggled to maintain consistent success.
Key games during this period highlight the gap between the two programs:
1984: Alabama routed Vanderbilt 44-10, showcasing their superiority in the SEC at a time when the Commodores were struggling to find their footing.
2006: Vanderbilt came close to upsetting Alabama but ultimately lost 13-10 in a defensive battle that highlighted how even in down years, Alabama was able to hold off challenges from the Commodores.
21st Century and Saban Era (2007–Present)
Since Nick Saban took over as head coach of Alabama in 2007, the rivalry has been heavily one-sided in Alabama’s favor. Saban’s Alabama teams have been among the best in the nation, regularly contending for national championships, while Vanderbilt has continued to struggle in the SEC. The gap between the two programs during this time has been substantial.
One of the most memorable games during the Saban era was in 2017, when Alabama thoroughly dismantled Vanderbilt 59-0. The game was notable for Vanderbilt's confidence going into the matchup, with several players making bold statements about being able to compete with Alabama. However, Alabama’s overwhelming talent and depth were on full display, and the game became a statement win for the Crimson Tide.
Overall Series Record (as of 2024)
As of 2024, Alabama has a commanding lead in the all-time series, with a record of 61 wins, 19 losses, and 4 ties. While the rivalry remains an important historical part of SEC football, the balance of power has long been in Alabama’s favor, especially in the modern era.
Key Players and Coaches in the Rivalry
- Alabama:
- Bear Bryant: Legendary head coach who solidified Alabama's dominance in the SEC.
- Nick Saban: Has led Alabama to multiple national titles, maintaining Alabama’s supremacy in the rivalry.
- Joe Namath: Iconic Alabama quarterback from the 1960s, led the Tide during a dominant era in the rivalry.
- Vanderbilt:
- Dan McGugin: Hall of Fame coach who led Vanderbilt during the early years of their success.
- Jay Cutler: Star quarterback for Vanderbilt in the early 2000s, who gave the Commodores a competitive edge in several matchups, despite not defeating Alabama.
Conclusion
The Alabama vs. Vanderbilt rivalry, while historically one-sided in recent decades, is a significant piece of SEC history. Vanderbilt’s early dominance, followed by Alabama’s rise to national prominence, has defined this rivalry over the years. Although Alabama now holds the upper hand in both talent and success, the games remain a part of the rich tapestry of college football’s traditions in the Southeastern Conference.
