Alabama vs. Vanderbilt predictions range from close game to blowout

Adam Sparks
The Tennessean
Vanderbilt defensive end Jonathan Wynn (49) and guard Bruno Reagan (61) head to the stadium before an NCAA football game between Vanderbilt and Kansas State at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017.

Despite the good vibes from Vanderbilt's early-season success, it still faces a tough task against No. 1 Alabama Saturday.

All four of our staff members predicted a win by the Crimson Tide, who opened as an 18.5-point favorite. But the margin of that outcome varies widely. Here are our picks:

More:Vanderbilt football vs. Alabama: 5 things to watch

John Adams (columnist)

Alabama 37, Vanderbilt 0: The Commodores got a rare victory over a top-25 team last week. But they also got Alabama’s attention.

More:Vanderbilt's underdog status vs. Alabama not what it used to be

Dave Ammenheuser (sports director)

Alabama 28, Vanderbilt 7: There’s no doubt the Commodores are better. And, it’s the belief here that they can contend for the SEC East title. This week, however, the five-game regular-season winning streak stops.

More:Vanderbilt vs. Alabama football: TV, radio, live stream, odds, kickoff information

Joe Rexrode (columnist)

Alabama 24, Vanderbilt 13: A late touchdown for the Tide against the tired Commodores will make the score look better for Nick Saban's team. But this will be a fight until then, and the best defense Alabama will see until the College Football Playoff.

More:Vanderbilt's Derek Mason vs. Alabama's Nick Saban? Yeah, it's a contest

Adam Sparks (Vanderbilt beat reporter)

Alabama 31, Vanderbilt 17: It will be close for awhile, maybe into the third quarter. But a late Alabama surge, perhaps sparked by a key turnover or special teams play, will stretch the final margin by a couple of scores.

More:What Vanderbilt football can learn from last win over Alabama in Nashville — in 1969

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.