AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former LBJ standout and the Austin Independent School District’s all-time leading rusher Sedrick Alexander helped Vanderbilt do the improbable — upset No. 1 Alabama.
Alexander rushed 64 yards on 21 carries and two first-half touchdowns to help carry the Commodores to a 40-35 win in Nashville, handing the Crimson Tide their first loss of the season. Alexander had a key19-yard reception and 13-yard run on Vanderbilt’s last drive of the game to ice it.
Alexander, a sophomore, left the LBJ Jaguars following an outstanding tenure, amassing 5,268 yards in four seasons from 2019-2023. The previous record was 4,836 held by Reagan’s (now Northeast) Mulbah Car.
So far this season, Alexander has 281 yards on 72 carries and four touchdowns. He’s also caught eight passes for 71 yards and a score.
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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) is stopped short to the end zone by Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) and defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) spins away from Alabama defensive lineman James Smith (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) dives for extra yards past Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt running back AJ Newberry (23) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, right, walks onto field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander, second from left, runs into the end zone for a touchdown past Alabama defensive back Keon Sabb (3) and linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
It’s the program’s first win over an Associated Press No. 1 team and snaps a 23-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State, played the game of his life. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 56 yards on 20 carries. The Commodores kept the ball away from Alabama’s explosive offense just long enough, possessing it for 42:08. The Crimson Tide had the ball for 17:52 but averaged 8.6 yards per play and didn’t had a drive last longer than 3:41. Vanderbilt had four drives last more than five minutes and scored its second touchdown to cap a 17-play, 75-yard drive that lasted 9:50.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe threw for 312 yards on 19 of 25 passing with a touchdown and interception. Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams caught three passes for 82 yards with a touchdown and had a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Vanderbilt tight end and former Denton Guyer quarterback Eli Stowers caught six passes for 113 yards with 83 after the catch.
The Commodores (3-2, 1-1 SEC) go to Kentucky next week. They’ll host the Texas Longhorns on Oct. 26. Alabama (4-1, 1-1) hosts South Carolina next week.