Saban highlights difference ‘that could be a big benefit’ for Alabama vs. Vanderbilt

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws to Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) as Wisconsin linebacker Mason Reiger (22) applies pressure at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Nick Saban feels Alabama football offense’s ability to sustain drives will benefit them against the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide have scored on nine drives where they ran 10 plays or more this season. Alabama has done this without committing a single turnover and while completing 53 percent of their third down attempts.

Saban feels this trend could serve as a weapon for the Tide at home this weekend.

“One of the big differences in Alabama’s team that I see that could be a big benefit in this game is a year ago, there was a lot of three-and-outs and a lot of big plays,” Saban said at the Monday Morning Quarterback Club in Birmingham, Alabama. “This year, they sustained the ball.”

Alabama won the time of possession battle against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night and scored its first two touchdowns on drives where they ran 14 plays.

“They kept the ball,” Saban said. “Seldom do you see the team with more rushing yards have less time of possession, which was the case in that game. They’re good on third down. I hope we can continue to run the ball a little bit better and improve in that area. But keeping the ball away from the other team is still something that’s really important to do when they have significant players on the other side and you keep giving them opportunities.”

Vanderbilt beat Alabama 40-35 last season, and the Commodores dominated the time of possession battle by a wide margin.

Alabama will look to flip the script this time around.