Across the college world, Saturday afternoon's game is being presented as historic. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Vanderbilt Commodores have not met as two ranked teams since 1937. That game was in Nashville, and the No. 4-ranked Crimson Tide beat the No. 12-ranked Commodores 9-7.
In nine regular-season games, Alabama's 1937 team surrendered a total of 20 points. After the win over Vandy, Alabama lost in the Rose Bowl to California, 13-0.
For lovers of college football history, such facts are interesting. They are also noteworthy as an indication of Vanderbilt's extraordinary rise to relevance. It is stunning that a ranked Vandy team is coming to Tuscaloosa with a chance for back-to-back wins against Alabama.