Alabama Football: Winners and Losers from Crimson Tide's Win vs. Vanderbilt

In its third conference game, the second ranked Alabama Crimson Tide moved to 6-0, defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores 34-0. 

After getting off to a slow start, Alabama posted its second shutout of the season while seeing some progress in the passing game. As we review the game, let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers from Saturday. 

Winner: A. J. McCarron

The redshirt sophomore quarterback had his best statistical game in an Alabama uniform. He completed 23 of 30 passes for 237 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. 

More importantly, he seemed to develop confidence while improving his streak of passes without an interception to 127.  

Loser: Vanderbilt Quarterbacks

In his return to his home state, Larry Smith didn’t see the field for long. He was knocked out of the game with what Larry Franklin described as a leg injury.

Jordan Rodgers played in relief, tossing two interceptions in the process. The two accumulated only 149 passing yards in the game.

Winner: DeAndrew White

DeAndrew White was the talk of fall camp, earning a start against Kent State. All accounts are that he’s continued to impress in practice, but until Saturday, hadn’t translated it to the field. 

White caught three balls for 58 yards and two touchdowns. He showed off his track speed and some good athleticism on a 39-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.  

Loser: Vanderbilt Rushing Game

It seems this is a loser for every Alabama opponent. The Tide rush defense is the best in the country and most opponents seem to abandon their running game entirely. Vanderbilt mustered only 41 yards on 19 carries. 

Winner: Tide Defense

When the top scoring defense in the country faces off against the SEC’s worst statistical offense, what happened Saturday is to be expected. With that said, a shutout in an SEC game is always impressive.

Alabama held Vanderbilt to 190 yards and only eight first downs, with just a 1-10 efficiency on third downs.  

Loser: Alabama Pass Rush

The Alabama defense didn’t manage a sack against Vanderbilt and has only eight on the year. On multiple occasions, Tide defenders had the quarterback in their grasp only to see him escape.

This hasn’t cost the Tide yet but has hurt the team in years past. A team that presses with the frequency of Alabama needs to affect the quarterback. This will be interesting to watch as the year progresses.  

Winner: Trent Richardson

Although Richardson didn’t have his best game, he performed well when given the chance.

In a game used to fine-tune the passing game, Richardson carried the ball 19 times for 107 yards and one touchdown. Not eye-popping numbers by any means but it’s important to avoid an off week in a Heisman race. 

Richardson extended his streak of 100-yard rushing games to five. 

Loser: Vanderbilt's Road Trip

Vanderbilt’s first two road games have left the Commodores with their first two losses following a promising 3-0 start. Most people around the program believe in James Franklin, but he faces many challenges in his first season. Vanderbilt will try to rebound next Saturday in Nashville, against Georgia.