The Unthinkable Happens: Vanderbilts Upset Over Alabama and Its Place in College Football History
Vanderbilts 40-35 win over No. 1 Alabama is one of the most shocking upsets in college football history, given Alabama’s dominance and Vanderbilt’s historical struggles.
Vanderbilt’s Shocking Win Over No. 1 Alabama
On October 5, 2024, Vanderbilt pulled off one of the most stunning surprises in college football history, defeating No. 1 Alabama 40-35.
This was the Commodores’ first victory over Alabama in 40 years and their first-ever win against a top-five team. Prior to this game, teams ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press (AP) poll had an impressive 587-40-7 record against unranked opponents.
The magnitude of this upset is further highlighted by the fact that No. 1 teams had gone 134-1 against unranked opponents since 2008, with Alabama being the last to fall to such an opponent in 2021.
Why Vanderbilt’s Victory Was So Surprising
Vanderbilt’s football program has long been the underdog in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Commodores are often seen as the punching bag for powerhouse teams like Alabama and Georgia.
Before this game, Vanderbilt had never beaten a top-five team and had never seriously contended for an SEC title.
Meanwhile, Alabama, even in the post-Nick Saban era, had returned to the No. 1 spot under coach Kalen DeBoer, fresh off a dramatic win against Georgia.
Given these histories, no one expected Vanderbilt to pose much of a challenge. The point spread for the game was 22.5 points in favor of Alabama, which by Alabama-Vandy standards was modest but still significant.
This only makes Vanderbilt’s win more monumental, shattering assumptions about the power dynamic in SEC football.
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How Does Vanderbilt’s Upset Compare to Other No. 1 Shocks?
To understand where Vanderbilt’s win ranks, it’s essential to look at other famous upsets of AP No. 1 teams by unranked opponents.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest shocks in college football history and how they compare.
| Rank | Game | Date | Final Score | Reason for the Shock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duquesne 21, No. 1 Pitt 13 | Oct. 21, 1939 | 21-13 | Pitt was a powerhouse, Duquesne was a small school with a new coach. |
| 2 | Purdue 28, No. 1 Notre Dame 14 | Oct. 7, 1950 | 28-14 | Notre Dame had a 39-game unbeaten streak; Purdue was a massive underdog. |
| 3 | TCU 6, No. 1 Texas 0 | Nov. 18, 1961 | 6-0 | Texas was undefeated and heading toward a national title, while TCU was struggling. |
| 4 | Mississippi State 6, No. 1 Alabama 3 | Nov. 1, 1980 | 6-3 | Alabama was riding a 28-game win streak and eyeing a third straight title. |
| 5 | Vanderbilt 40, No. 1 Alabama 35 | Oct. 5, 2024 | 40-35 | Vandy was 0-60 against top-five teams, with no top-10 finishes in its history. |
| 6 | Michigan State 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 | Nov. 7, 1998 | 28-24 | A struggling 4-4 Spartans team dashed undefeated Ohio State’s national title hopes. |
| 7 | Holy Cross 55, No. 1 Boston College 12 | Nov. 28, 1942 | 55-12 | The largest margin of defeat for a No. 1 team ever—by a 43-point blowout. |
Historical Context of AP No. 1 Upsets
The history of No. 1 teams losing to unranked opponents is as rare as it is unforgettable. Of the over 600 times an AP No. 1 team has played an unranked opponent, only 40 such upsets have occurred.
This rarity amplifies the significance of Vanderbilt’s win, placing it among the most memorable moments in college football history.
The 2024 upset follows a historical trend where the fall of a No. 1 team can either be a fluke or the beginning of a dramatic shift in a season.
For Vanderbilt, it was a culmination of years of being written off in the SEC. For Alabama, it marks a significant moment in their post-Saban era, raising questions about the future of their dominance.
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Can Alabama Recover?
Despite the shocking loss, history suggests that Alabama could still recover and contend for a national championship.
Four AP No. 1 teams have lost to unranked opponents and gone on to win the national title:
- 2007 LSU lost to Arkansas 50-48 and went on to win the national championship.
- 1967 USC fell to Oregon State but still claimed the national title.
- 1960 Minnesota overcame a defeat to Purdue and finished as national champions.
- 1943 Notre Dame lost to Great Lakes Navy before securing the national crown.
With the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff, Alabama has the opportunity to bounce back, even after such a devastating upset.
However, this defeat will undoubtedly define the 2024 season for Alabama, just as the 2007 Louisiana-Monroe upset defined Nick Saban’s first year.
Vanderbilts Win Carves Its Place in History
Vanderbilt’s 40-35 victory over No. 1 Alabama on October 5, 2024, is not only a massive win for the Commodores but also a moment that will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
The Commodores defied all odds, breaking a 40-year losing streak against Alabama and securing their first-ever victory over a top-five opponent.
This upset joins a select group of historic No. 1 defeats, reminding fans that, in college football, anything is possible.
Whether Alabama bounces back to contend for the national championship remains to be seen, but this game will forever be etched in the memories of college football fans as a defining moment in the 2024 season.