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Roman Harper, Cole Cubelic issue passionate challenge to Alabama ahead of Vanderbilt rematch

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh11 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates with fans after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates with fans after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

At the end of a segment on The Paul Finebaum Show, Roman Harper and Cole Cubelic brought a little fire when discussing Saturday’s upcoming game between Alabama and Vanderbilt. This will be a revenge game for Kalen DeBoer‘s bunch inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. And after a big win against Georgia, Harper is already looking to turn the page.

“It’s freaking Vandy week, Paul,” Harper said on Monday. “It’s Vandy week. The Tide better button up them chinstraps. We over Georgia, we don’t care about that anymore. It’s Vandy week, Paul.” Cubelic added, “Can Alabama handle the emotions with Vanderbilt coming to town?”

There may have been a touch of sarcasm in those comments. However, there is still some truth to what Harper and Cubelic are saying. Alabama found itself in a similar situation a year ago, taking down Georgia in a massive showdown before playing Vanderbilt. We all know the end result — having another goal post end up in a river and sending the city of Nashville into a frenzy.

Diego Pavia turned into a national storyline because of his play as well. Pavia threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 16 of 20 throws. Big, timely moments continually took place for the Vanderbilt quarterback before taking down the No. 1 team in the country.

If anyone is going to be ready for the clash, it’s Pavia. Some confidence has flowed through him during the offseason but more than anything, Pavia is ready to play in the atmosphere.

“Tuscaloosa will be a good, fun time,” Pavia said after the Utah State win. “I’ve never played there. I think a few of the guys have been there. But this is what you come into the SEC for, big games like this. So, we’ll be real excited to go down there and check them out.”

A familiar face will be on the sidelines rooting for Pavia too. Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, who famously upset Alabama himself in 2012, will be on the Vanderbilt sideline. Not often does the road team have a massive celebrity in its corner.

So, yes. Emotions are going to be high for both teams in this one. Vanderbilt wants to keep its undefeated record, Alabama wants to end all talks of 2024’s loss. DeBoer has an important week of preparation ahead of him, needing to use Harper’s advice of moving on from the Georgia game.