Vanderbilt vs. Alabama: Report Card Grades for the Tide's Win over Vandy

The Tide once again flexed their muscles in the SEC with a 34-0 dominating victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores. They still have the huge test against LSU on Nov. 4, but things look good right now for Alabama.

Grading all three phases of the game, I'll take a look at how the Alabama Crimson Tide fared in their lopsided victory.

Offense

The offense totaled 419 yards against a Vandy defense that ranked 11th in total defense that allowed just 279 yards per game.

The running game was superb thanks to Trent Richardson who once again went off rushing for 107 yards on 19 times. Vandy stacked the line of scrimmage and yet the Heisman hopeful still was able to gash the run defense.

Jalston Fowler was a legit replacement for Eddie Lacy (turf toe) rushing for 58 yards on 13 carries. The team ran for a total of 153 yards, but not enough can be said with the development from AJ McCarron.

McCarron went 23-for-30 throwing for 237 yards and four touchdowns without any interceptions. Even Phillip Sims saw time late in the fourth quarter completing all three passes for 29 yards with an pick or touchdown.

The receivers were shining bright with a highlight reel catch by DeAndrew White who leaped in mid-air to haul in a five yard touchdown. Marquis Maze also hauled in nine passes for 93 yards and Darius Hanks saw extensive looks in the passing game.

Hanks came into the game with just six catches on the season and it was nice to see be more involved with his five catches.

This offense is unstoppable when they get great push up front from their offensive line and I would look for continue improvement from what I foresee as one of the elite lines in the country.

Overall, this offense moved well though their first half struggles is what prevent me from giving them a perfect score. However, they got the job done and easily paved the way to a dominating victory thanks to an offense that kept moving the chains.

Grade: A

Defense

We know how great this defense is and they flat out dominated the offense of the Commodores. For argument's sake I would take the Tide's defense over LSU's because of how stout and athletic they are at linebacker. No disrespect towards LSU, but Alabama has a few All-American just in the middle of their defense.

Alabama allowed just 41 rushing yards on 19 carries (2.2 YPC) and the pass defense was sensational coming away with two interceptions despite allowing a pedestrian 149 yards.

The secondary has the see ball, hit ball theory and having two of the best safeties in the BCS era will certainly help you. Mark Barron and Robert Lester continue to just tee off on poor receivers as well as running backs and quarterbacks who are left out for the dry in the backfield.

The defensive line has been considered the weak link of this defense though I am not sure I would a defensive line over the Tide's outside of perhaps South Carolina and LSU's.

In the 3-4 defense Alabama does not need their defense line amazing with all of the NFL caliber players at linebacker. 

Going up against a tremendous running game of LSU on November 4th will be the most anticipated matchup of the entire season. Plus, with Ole Miss and Tennessee the next two weeks it looks as if Alabama has an early edge since they get a bye week in preparation for the Tigers.

Grade: A+

Special Teams and Overall Thoughts

Jeremy Shelley did not attempt a field goal, though it was not needed with all the touchdowns. The Tide have Marquis Maze bringing back punts which makes this Tide team maybe the most complete in America!

LSU-Alabama is essentally a BCS National Championship play-in game with the winner more than likely winning the rest of their games though the SEC East winner could give the West winner all they can handle.

Grade: A

Overall, I really do not see Ole Miss or Tennessee giving the Tide any sorts of trouble. They go on the road to face the Rebels and had the Tide played at Neyland Stadium then perhaps we could see a close game, but the Vols do not have the offensive stars to hang enough points on the Alabama defense.

Can anybody stop this Alabama defense and who gives the biggest the challenge to Alabama outside of LSU and their potential SEC Championship Game?

Auburn perhaps on Thanksgiving weekend would give the Tide some problems because of their explosive offense, but their defense has been suspect to put it nicely this season.

It remains to be seen if any team on this planet can score consistently on Nick Saban's defense, but the November 4th home tilt with LSU may very well be the most anticipated regular season game in the history of the BCS era!