Alabama Humiliates Vanderbilt
The Hillsboro Globe welcomes Cecil Trotter to the staff as sports editorial reporter.
Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) runs past Vanderbilt linebacker Oren Burks (20) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Harris ran for a career-high 151 yards and three touchdowns as top-ranked Alabama routed Vanderbilt 59-0 Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
NASHVILLE – After an impressive beat down on Vanderbilt with the score of 59-0 in their home stadium, the Crimson Tide are now on a 21-0 win streak.
Even though the trash talk was the only thing winning about Vandy, they got what asked for and then got destroyed.
Alabama’s offense did whatever it wanted against Vanderbilt’s defense. For example, the Crimson Tide scored a touchdown on four straight series.
The offense earned a total of 496 all purpose yards, racking up 422 yards on ground in 52 carries for 422 yards. In addition, the running backs having a great game, even the offensive line jumped in making strong plays.
“We want to be respected… usually we are,” Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts said. ” l guess we felt like we didn’t have the respect that we kind of wanted coming into the game, so we just came out there and played Alabama football. I think we did a good job”
Vanderbilt (3-1) came in as one of the five remaining undefeated teams in the SEC with the nation’s stingiest defense in points, total yards and against the passes. This defense failed to show up on the field.
The Commodores had allowed just 13 points combined through three games , yet they no match for Alabama’s dominating ground game. Harris topped his season’s best by the end of the 1st quarter and needed only 12 carries for his big day. Scarborough ran 11 times for 79-yard TD run in the fourth quarter for a 59-0 lead. The Crimson Tide just simply ran all over Vanderbilt with 49 yards in the first half to Alabama’s 48 offensive plays.
“I was just out coached today. We were outclassed,” Mason said.
Alabama got linebackers Rashaan Evans and Anfernee Jennings back after they missed the last two games with injuries. Jennings forced a fumble recovered by Da’Shawn Hand for the second takeaway by the Tide defense in the first quarter. Ronnie Harrison intercepted a tipped pass that ended Vanderbilt’s opening drive.
Kyle Shurmur came in completing 71 percent of his passes for Vanderbilt. With Alabama pressuring the quarterback, Shurmur was just 4 of 15 for 18 yards.
The dominating team (4-0) now has won 19 straight over the SEC East. Better yet, Crimson Tide hasn’t lost to Vanderbilt since 1984 or in Nashville since 1969. Both streaks were assured at the end of the first quarter with Alabama up 21-0 after the second of Harris’ TDs and didn’t let up.
Matchup:
1st Downs 38 3
3rd down efficiency 9-15 1-11
4th down efficiency 2-2 0-0
Total Yards 677 78
Passing 181 38
Comp-Att 17-27 7-22
Yards per pass 6.7 1.7
Interceptions thrown 0 1
Rushing 496 40
Rushing Attempts 66 16
Yards per rush 7.5 2.5
Penalties 6-40 5-20
Turnovers 0 2
Fumbles lost 0 1
Interceptions thrown 0 1
Possession
Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason comments “ It was a hard loss and soft spots in parts of his team”. The guys needed to know the difference between ideal self and real self, and real was losing underestimating their opponent. This loss marked the 5th largest losing margin in history. Mason called it a “quick wake-up call,’’ pointing to his team’s only loss after its first 3-0 start since 2011.The football team has some good things but for the first time the Commodores faced some adversity and didn’t punch back, even Mason himself. The humility look on the whole team change on that Sunday morning likely for the rest of the season.
‘’You are humbled by the process. You’ve got to get back to work and you’ve got to drive. That’s what started Sunday when I woke up and it’s probably not going to leave me until the end of the season.” said Coach.
Finally, next up on Alabama list is Ole Miss on their home field. Ole Miss has defeated Alabama in two of the last three matchups. Alabama won a 48-43 thriller in Oxford, Miss., last season. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday 9/30 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Predictions have been made toward Crimson Tide for the victory. As for Vanderbilt they will be facing Florida Gators at their opponent’s home field Saturday 9/30 11;00 AM. Hopefully the Commodores can regain their pride and pull out a victory.
If you don't already know me or haven't seen me before, I go by the name of Cecil Trotter and this is my story. I'm in the 12th grade in the pathway of Global...
