Initial takeaways from Alabama football beating Vanderbilt

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) lunges into the end zone for a touchdown as Vanderbilt defensive back CJ Heard (8) is unable to make the tackle at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Alabama football took down the Vanderbilt Commodores 30-14 at home on Saturday.

Here are some initial takeaways from the win:

– Alabama Football’s Offense Can Control The Pace Of The Game

Alabama football’s offense showed it can take command of an entire game in this one, specifically in the second half. Establishing long sustained drives has been a strength of theirs and it continued against Vanderbilt.

– Conor Talty continues to be inconsistent

Talty missed a 47-yard field goal in the first half but connected on kicks later in the game. His inconsistencies continue to come to the forefront.

– Ty Simpson’s ability to improvise is scary

Ty Simpson becomes incredibly dangerous when he is moving around the pocket because of his ability to keep his eyes down the field. He can evade pressure, reset himself and make impressive throws.

– Alabama’s defense is stifling when it eliminates big plays

The Crimson Tide were on the wrong side of some big plays in the first half and it cost them. Once those plays were eliminated, they made it hard for Vanderbilt to score. On the flip side, the Tide are still falling victim to big plays at times.

Alabama football’s rushing attack is at its best downhill

Alabama football had success running the football in this one. A lot of that success came on inside runs where Jam Miller was a punishing runner.