Fansided

3 realistic reasons Vanderbilt can upset Alabama

By Jake Goldstein-Street

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates 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)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates 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) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on from the sidelines against the Colorado State Rams at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on from the sidelines against the Colorado State Rams at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Alabama is plagued by injuries

One big problem for Alabama this season has been dealing with injuries. They certainly don’t have the depth they boasted in past years and have had trouble filling holes early in the season.

Unbelievably, Alabama has five linebackers injured, including Christian Miller and Tyrell Lewis who are both starters that are out for the season. This is a big reason why the Crimson Tide defense hasn’t been as good this season.

This defense has shown huge holes due to these injuries. Alabama gave up a ridiculous 391 yards to Colorado State, a team from the Mountain West Conference, at home. This was the first time they allowed more than 300 yards at home to a non-conference opponent since 2011.

The Rams were successful on 10 of their 18 third down opportunities, which is a high conversion rate against a defense coached by Nick Saban. There is no question that this Alabama defense is vulnerable.

Colorado State could have won that game if their quarterback’s accuracy didn’t go by the wayside.

A big problem for this Alabama defense is chemistry. With so many players missing time, many defenders have never played with each other and don’t trust the abilities of their teammates.

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Alabama’s young substitutes will now be playing with some jitters in their first game of SEC play. Additionally, Nashville is far from an easy place to play and Vanderbilt plays their best at home. They’ve won four straight games in Nashville dating back to last season.

If there ever was a time for Alabama to be upset, Vanderbilt’s time is now.

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