College Football: 5 undefeated teams guaranteed to lose in Week 4

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 19: Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) scores a touchdown during the Big 12 college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on November 19, 2016, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma State won the game 31-6. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Derek Mason cheers with teammates and the crowd after a 14-7 Vanderbilt victory over Kansas State at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

1. Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Tip of the cap to Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason for the job he’s done in Nashville. After a few hiccups early in his tenure, the Commodores are a serious contender to win the SEC East this year. And it’s largely a result of the Vanderbilt defense that leads the nation in pass defense. That top-ranked pass defense will be tested against No. 1 Alabama where quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to develop nicely and wide receiver Calvin Ridley is making one big play after another.

Even if Vanderbilt is able to slow down Hurts, Ridley and the Crimson Tide passing attack, that just means Alabama can lean on their potent run game, which has annually been among the best, if not, the best ground game over the last handful of years. Alabama can roll out Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Najee Harris and Hurts, who actually leads the team with 312 yards rushing.

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And as encouraging as Kyle Shurmur has played at quarterback for Vanderbilt and as exciting of a playmaker as Ralph Webb is in the backfield, I don’t think they stand much of a chance against the Alabama defense.

Vanderbilt is coming into this game with a ton of confidence, and rightfully so, they’re playing their best football under Mason, but Saturday will serve as a reminder of just how far they still have to go to compete with the best in the sport.

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