With only one matchup between top 25 teams on the slate, this week looked like it could be a dud. But college football always delivers when it’s least expected, and it did in a big way on Saturday.
One week after holding off Georgia in a clash of SEC titans, No. 1 Alabama lost to Vanderbilt, 40-35, in a stunner in Nashville. The Commodores were 23.5-point underdogs, but never trailed in the upset win. Vandy QB Diego Pavia was the hero, completing 16 of his 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 57 yards rushing.
Elsewhere, No. 5 Georgia bounced back from its loss to Alabama by handling Auburn and No. 2 Ohio State looked convincing in a rout of Iowa while freshman Ryan Williams made yet another one-handed TD grab. No. 25 Texas A&M throttled No. 9 Missouri 41-10 early in the day in the only ranked-on-ranked matchup.
Here are the games we’re keeping a close eye on Saturday night. All times are Eastern and all odds are from BetMGM.
Tennessee’s offense has produced the highlights so far, but the defense has given up just 28 points over four games and the defensive line has shown itself to be one of the best in the SEC. It’ll be a big challenge for the Arkansas offense, which can be explosive when it’s not turning the ball over.
Miami’s learning what life is like in the new ACC as it heads out west to visit the Bears for a late-night kickoff in Berkeley, which is also hosting “GameDay.” Can Miami and Heisman hopeful QB Cam Ward keep rolling against a feisty Cal team which is off to a 3-1 start?
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Vanderbilt SHOCKS No. 1 Alabama 40-35!!!
Upset of the year, probably the biggest upset in several years!
Vanderbilt gets its first win over a No. 1 team in program history and first win over Alabama since 1984!
Mayhem in Nashville!
Clemson up big early
While all that was going down, Clemson-FSU kicked off and the Tigers have been busy.
Cade Klubnik has two passing touchdowns and Clemson is up 17-0 as the game goes into the second quarter.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia and head coach Clark Lea have their moments while fans rush the field in Nashville.
The winning moment for Vandy
FIRST DOWN VANDERBILT! THAT WILL DO IT!
Diego Pavia runs for the first down and Alabama can’t stop it now!
It’s kneeldown time for the Commodores!
2-minute timeout in Nashville
Vanderbilt gets a crucial first down right before the 2-minute stoppage.
Alabama has 2 timeouts left, so one more first down may seal this thing for the Commodores.
Touchdown Alabama!
Bama converts on a 4th and 1 from the 2-yard line on a nifty reverse play to Ryan Williams.
This ain’t over yet!
Vanderbilt 40, Alabama 35 with 2:46 to go.
TOUCHDOWN Vanderbilt!
This could really be happening!
Diego Pavia with a quick rollout pass to Kamrean Johnson for the 6-yard TD pass.
Vanderbilt leads the No. 1 team in the nation by 12 with 5:07 to play.
Final: Ole Miss 27, South Carolina 3
Nice bounce-back for the Rebels after last week’s loss to Kentucky. Dominant defensive showing from start to finish.
Vanderbilt forces turnover!
Vandy’s Miles Capers sacks Jalen Milroe and jars the ball loose.
Commodores fall on it and take over at midfield!
Final: Georgia 31, Auburn 13
Vanderbilt kicks a FG
Vandy’s Brock Taylor knocks through a 33-yard kick to get the lead to 33-28.
10:35 to play in Nashville.
Alabama responds with a TD!
Superstar freshman WR Ryan Williams is at it again!
He catches it in traffic and tip-toes along the sideline for a 58-yard TD catch.
Vanderbilt 30, Alabama 28, late 3rd quarter.
Touchdown Vanderbilt!
Diego Pavia launches a 36-yard TD pass to Junior Sherrill on 4th and 1!
Sherrill JUST hauled in the grab by his finger tips.
Vandy extends the lead on Alabama to 30-21 in the 3rd.
Final: Indiana 41, Northwestern 24
Indiana is 6-0 headed into its bye week. Best start since 1967 and the first team in FBS to become bowl eligible. Take a bow, Hoosiers.
Final: Ohio State 35, Iowa 7
Facing their biggest test to date, the Buckeyes have absolutely no problem dispatching the Hawkeyes. Will Howard finishes with four TD passes in the blowout win.
Vanderbilt drove to midfield and had a receiver open on 3rd and long, but he couldn’t come down with the catch.
Bama gets the ball back with a chance to take its first lead.
Iowa gets first TD
The Hawkeyes are finally on the board after Kaleb Johnson runs it in from 28 yards out.
Ohio State 35, Iowa 7
Alabama TD!
The Tide come out of the half with purpose, quickly marching downfield for a touchdown.
Jalen Milroe runs it in from 14 yards out.
Vanderbilt’s lead is down to 23-21 in the 3rd quarter.
Touchdown Georgia!
Carson Beck finds Dillon Bell in the end zone for his second touchdown pass of the day.
