Vanderbilt falls 21-15 as Alexander reaches touchdown milestone

Auburn beat Vanderbilt 21-15 on Sept. 26 in Auburn, Alabama, despite three Brock Taylor field goals and another takeaway from the Commodores’ defense.

Sedrick Alexander scored on a 3-yard run for his 30th career touchdown, tying Zac Stacy for second on Vanderbilt’s career list. It was Alexander’s 24th rushing touchdown, moving him into a tie for third in program history in that category.

Taylor made three field goals, matching his career high for one game. With 219 points, he moved into sole possession of fourth place on Vanderbilt’s career scoring list. His 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was his longest conversion since Sept. 13, 2025, against South Carolina. He is now 20-for-21 on attempts inside 40 yards.

Vanderbilt forced a turnover for the fourth straight game to open the 2026 season. Miles Capers recorded his second career interception after CJ Heard deflected the pass in the first quarter, giving Heard his sixth career pass breakup.

The Commodores also extended their team sack streak to eight games dating to last season. Brian Longwell supplied the sack, his first since the previous season’s regular-season finale against Tennessee. His career sack total reached 3.5.

Junior Sherrill caught a pass for the 41st consecutive game and finished with at least four receptions for the eighth time in his last nine games. Tristen Brown extended his reception streak to five games. In his first appearance of the season, Cole Spence made two catches, while Ja’Cory Thomas recorded his first multi-catch game for Vanderbilt.

Issa Ouattara, Nick Rinaldi, Spence and Makhilyn Young represented Vanderbilt as captains for the coin toss. The Commodores won the toss and deferred.

Why it matters

Alexander moved into a tie for second on Vanderbilt’s career touchdown list and a tie for third in rushing touchdowns. Taylor climbed to fourth on the program’s career scoring list with 219 points, while the defense maintained its turnover and sack streaks.