Keelon Russell Throws Three TDs as Alabama Beats Vanderbilt 21-6

Alabama overcame a slow start on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., beating Vanderbilt 21-6 to improve its record to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the Southeastern Conference.

Quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns for the Crimson Tide, who entered the matchup ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings and No. 7 in the Associated Press poll. Alabama led 7-3 at halftime thanks to Russell’s 9-yard TD pass to tight end Marshall Pritchett.

Alabama Football QB Keelon Russell speaks after 21-6 win at Vanderbilt — BamaOnLine

The Crimson Tide defense recorded five sacks and held Vanderbilt to a season-low 235 yards of total offense. The Commodores dropped to 4-6 overall and 1-6 in conference play after recently snapping a five-game skid.

Vanderbilt turned the ball over on downs on three of its final four drives, twice stalling inside the Alabama 15-yard line, and missed a late field goal attempt. The Commodores forced three turnovers, including an interception by Dontae Carter and a fumble forced by Miles Capers that was recovered by Talan Carter.

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell talks with the media after beating Vanderbilt. — Alabama Crimson Tide on AL.com

Vanderbilt limited Alabama to 92 rushing yards, holding the Crimson Tide to zero yards on the ground following an early second-quarter play where Russell slipped for a loss and a turnover on downs. Russell, who started after injuring an ankle in last week’s win at LSU, also threw his first career interception when Dontae Carter batted a pass into the air.

Russell opened the third quarter orchestrating a 75-yard drive capped by a 39-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks. After Dijon Lee Jr. returned a kickoff 83 yards, Russell connected with Brooks again on a 9-yard scoring pass to extend Alabama’s lead to 21-6 midway through the third quarter.

Kalen DeBoer recaps Alabama's 21-6 win over Vanderbilt; Starting Keelon Russell over Austin Mack — Alabama Crimson Tide on AL.com

Vanderbilt accumulated more penalty yardage (52) than total offense (32) in the first half. Brock Taylor kicked a 52-yard field goal with 4:13 remaining in the second quarter to give the Commodores a 3-0 lead following Dontae Carter’s interception.

Daniel Hill led Alabama with 89 rushing yards on 14 carries after the Commodores initially bottled up Alabama’s running game. Next, Alabama hosts Chattanooga one week before the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.