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Vanderbilt Commodores Aim for Best Start Since 1950 Against LSU
17 Oct
Summary
- Vanderbilt ranked 17th, hosts 10th-ranked LSU on October 18, 2025
- Vanderbilt off to best start since 1950 with a win, remains in SEC title hunt
- LSU's defense carrying the team, while Vanderbilt's offense is one of the nation's best
On October 18, 2025, the Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked 17th in the nation, will host the 10th-ranked LSU Tigers in a crucial SEC matchup. Vanderbilt, currently 5-1 (1-1 SEC), is in the hunt for the SEC championship, a position they haven't been in for more than a few years.
A win for the Commodores would give them their best start since 1950 and keep them firmly in the race atop the SEC. However, they face a tough challenge in LSU, who have won the last ten games in this series.
While it's unusual to see Vanderbilt contending in football in the SEC, it's equally surprising to see LSU's defense as the Tigers' calling card. Head Coach Brian Kelly's squad boasts the 4th-ranked defense in the FBS, allowing just 11.8 points per game. In contrast, the LSU offense has yet to find its rhythm, despite the presence of veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
Vanderbilt's offense, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the most dynamic units in the nation, ranking 10th in Offensive SP+ and Top 5 nationally in both yards per play and points per drive. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been the engine of this explosive attack, delivering elite dual-threat production.
As the two teams prepare to clash, the stage is set for a thrilling SEC showdown that could have significant implications for the conference title race.
