No. 2 Alabama set to host Vanderbilt in SEC opener

Thu, Sep 22, 2022
NCAAF News (AP)

Vanderbilt (3-1) at No. 2 Alabama (3-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network)

Line: Alabama by 40 1/2 according to Fanduel Sportsbook.

Series record: Alabama leads 62-18-4.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The Commodores, who have already topped the win total from Clark Lea's first season, are trying to snap a 22-game losing streak to Alabama and a 21-game skid against league opponents. The Crimson Tide want to emerge unscathed and healthy heading into a brutal stretch of games with No. 10 Arkansas, No. 23 Texas A&M and No. 11 Tennessee.

KEY MATCHUP

Vanderbilt's passing game, led by freshman quarterback AJ Swann, against Alabama's secondary. The Tide defense ranks eighth nationally allowing only 146.7 yards passing. Led by linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and safety Jordan Battle, Alabama hasn't allowed a passing touchdown through three games. Utah State and Louisiana-Monroe failed to reach 100 passing yards.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vanderbilt: Swann. He became only the second SEC true freshman to throw for at least four touchdowns in their first career start. He also became only the third Vanderbilt quarterback to throw for at least 250 yards and four TDs on the road since 1996. Swann leads the SEC in passing efficiency at 188.6, putting him second among freshman quarterbacks in the Bowl Subdivision.

Alabama: WR Traeshon Holden. He didn't get as much attention in the offseason as other Alabama receivers, but Holden has been Bryce Young's most reliable target at the position. He leads the team with 169 yards and three touchdowns. His 12 catches trails only tailback Jahmyr Gibbs on the team.

FACTS & FIGURES

It's the first meeting between the two teams since a 59-0 Alabama win in 2017. The Commodores are playing at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time since 2011. ... The Tide are 14-1 in SEC home openers under Nick Saban with an average margin of 21 points a game. ... Vanderbilt is 2-0 on the road this season and is one of only five FBS teams with two road wins already. ... Vanderbilt has scored on all 17 trips inside the opponent's 20 and ranks fifth in the FBS for conversion percentage with 15 TDs.

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