SI

Vanderbilt, Hunting an Upset, Shocks Alabama With Fourth-Down Touchdown Heave

This play was nuts.

Tom Dierberger

Vanderbilt hasn't beaten Alabama since 1984.
Vanderbilt hasn't beaten Alabama since 1984. / ESPN
In this story:

If the Vanderbilt Commodores pull off a stunning upset of No. 1 Alabama on Saturday, they'll look back on one play that changed the game.

Vanderbilt, leading the Crimson Tide 23–21 late in the third quarter, faced a fourth-and-1 near midfield. But instead of running a play up the middle to move the chains, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia went for it all.

As four Alabama defenders closed in on him, Pavia heaved up a deep ball for receiver Junior Sherrill, who caught it right on the goal line for six points and a 36-yard touchdown reception. Vanderbilt extended its lead to 30–21.

Vanderbilt is searching for its first win over Alabama since a 30–21 win in 1984. The Commodores hadn't scored more than 20 points against the Crimson Tide since a 36–26 loss in 1996.

More of the Latest Around College Football

feed

Published
Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

Home/College Football