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Vanderbilt upsetting Alabama makes Virginia Tech Week 1 loss better-looking

The Commodores stunning upset of the Crimson Tide makes the Hokies Week 1 in Nashville looking better.

By Scott Roche

Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates with fans after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates with fans after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images / Butch Dill-Imagn Images
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When the Virginia Tech football team opened the season at Vanderbilt, Hokies' fans were looking for a season-opening victory. Everyone around the college football landscape thought it was going to happen. It didn't.

Virginia Tech went to Nashville and dug themselves a 17-3 halftime hole, battled back and took a 27-20 lead when Ali Jennings broke free in the Commodores secondary for a long touchdown reception. Tech's defense, however, couldn't hold onto the lead and Vandy tied the game and forced overtime. The hosts ended up winning the game in the extra session thanks to New Mexico State transfer quarterback Diego Pavia.

It was a stunning and frustrating loss for Brent Pry and his team. Yes, Virginia Tech was at fault for it as they came out with no emotion and couldn't overcome a tough first 30 minutes. Vanderbilt celebrated like they knocked off a No. 1 team. Little did we know that it was just the beginning for them.

Vanderbilt stuns No. 1 Alabama

If you thought that win was something, did you see what the Commodores did Saturday afternoon at home? They continued their early-season success for a program that was a bottom-feeder for the SEC for years and knocked off No. 1 Alabama, 40-35, at home. They did it the same way that they did it against the Hokies, forcing mistakes by the visitors, taking advantage of a lot of breaks and Pavia doing Diego Pavia things. With the game on the line, he scrambled for a game-clinching first down aaginst the Tide.

Does this make Virginia Tech fans feel better about the season-opening loss? Probably not as if they had won the game, the feeling around the program now would be a lot higher than it currently is. The sting of the Vanderbilt loss is still felt today, but after they lost in overtime at Missouri, in a game they almost won against a then-Top 10 team and then taking down No. 1 Alabama, this win by the Commodores should make Hokies' fans feel a little better five weeks later. Just a little. If anything, it makes their strength of schedule higher than originally thought. Now Alabama fans can feel the wrath of Pavia and trolling them.

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