Vandy not retreating vs. Bama

Vanderbilt senior defensive lineman Nifae Lealao was excited after the Commodores beat No. 18 Kansas State 14-7 last week. It was Vanderbilt’s first victory over a ranked nonconference opponent since 1946, when the Commodores beat No. 20 North Carolina State 7-0.

But Lealao might have gone a little overboard in a postgame TV interview.

“When you come into our house, we show you how to play some SEC ball,” Lealao said. “It don’t matter where you’re from, you’re going to know what ball we play.

“Alabama, you’re next!” Maybe not the smartest thing to say with the No. 1 Crimson Tide coming to Vanderbilt Stadium to take on the Commodores on Saturday.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t seem to take offense to Lealao’s comments.

“Theoretically, we are next on their schedule,” Hurts told reporters this week. “We have to prepare, and we have to get ready to play a good Vanderbilt team.”

Lealao didn’t apologize for his comments, but he attempted to explain what he meant in a post to his Twitter account.

“All I meant is that they’re next to come to our home,” Lealao tweeted. “Take it how you want. We’re ready for a heck of a game Saturday. Not many people can say they have the opportunity to play the best program in CFB.”

Lealao said he has nothing but respect for Alabama.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re gonna back down from a challenge,” he added.