Vanderbilt RB Sedrick Alexander on facing Alabama: 'I feel like we’re going to go dominate'

Sedrick Alexander isn’t intimidated by Alabama. On Friday, the Vanderbilt running back made a bold claim about the Commodores’ impending showdown against the Crimson Tide.

“I feel like we’re going to go dominate down there in Tuscaloosa,” Alexander said, per Billy Derrick. “I feel like we have the best coaching staff and best players in the country, so I feel like we’re going to do great things.”

Alexander boasts 243 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries this season. Alexander’s 243 rushing yards are the second-most for Vanderbilt, only trailing quarterback Diego Pavia.

Alexander isn’t only a threat in the ground. He’s also reeled in five catches for 67 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Alexander was pivotal in Vanderbilt’s 40-35 win over Alabama last season. Alexander racked up 64 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the triumph over the Crimson Tide, who were ranked No. 1 in the country at the time.

Alexander could be due for another impressive showing on Saturday. Alabama is allowing 160.5 rushing yards per game this season, ranking No. 91 in college football.

In the Crimson Tide’s season-opening loss to Florida State, they gave up 230 rushing yards. While the Commodores are ready to butt heads with Alabama, Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea is doing his best to keep his team focused.

“Obviously, they’re really excited to play,” Lea said earlier this week. “We need to narrow our focus here in the next couple days just on the details within the plan. That’s ultimately where the game will be won and lost. It’s one where we don’t want to chase emotions on Saturday

“We want to make sure that we’re operating and controlling the things we can control and anticipating out there, so we can win the battle for leverage and chase the result that we want. I’m proud of the way we’ve started our prep and very proud of this team. Looking forward to being out with them on the field on Saturday.”

Sedrick Alexander isn’t the only one who’s riding high into the massive showdown. Earlier this week, Diego Pavia turned heads with a daring prediction.

“I don’t know what they’re doing. I just focus on us, but I know we’ve got to bring it. That’s for sure,” Pavia told On3’s Chris Low. “The crowd, I think, is going to be a big factor in the game. But we just gotta play within the white lines. If we do that, if we play our game, it won’t be close.”

On Saturday, Alabama and Vanderbilt will face off at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air live on ABC.