Previewing Saturday’s matchup between Vanderbilt and Tennessee State (3 p.m. CT on SEC Network+):
History Lesson: Vanderbilt and Tennessee State have played just twice in history, with the Commodores winning both matchups. In the most recent installment, Vanderbilt won 35-17 on West End in 2016.
Names to Watch (Tennessee State)
QB Demry Croft
The redshirt junior quarterback was key in helping TSU erase a 24-3 deficit and beat Eastern Illnois, 41-40, last week. He completed 14-of-20 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns with an extra 56 yards on the ground.
CB Dajour Nesbeth
Nesbeth leads the Tigers with 14 total tackles and 11 unassisted stops though two games in 2017. The junior has also recorded an interception and four pass breakups on the year.
The Statistical
29
Combined catches by Kalija Lipscomb in his last three games. The junior has evolved into a go-to target for quarterback Kyle Shurmur, becoming the first Vanderbilt receiver to catch at least nine balls in three consecutive game since All-American Jordan Matthews in 2013.
518
Rush yards allowed by Vanderbilt in its last two games. Notre Dame ran for 245 yards before South Carolina compiled 273 yards on the ground vs. the Dores. In all, the Fighting Irish and the Gamecocks averaged a combined 5.4 yards per carry.
The Big Question: Can Vanderbilt take advantage of this opportunity? The Commodores began the season 2-0 but have since dropped games to Notre Dame and South Carolina, deflating losses for different reasons. Now they face an FCS team in Tennessee State, one that should be overmatched against Vanderbilt on paper. Can Vanderbilt show up focused and poised on Saturday and build off a strong performance ahead of more SEC matchups down the road?
Vanderbilt Needs To: Start fast. A slow start has become a weekly theme of the Commodores’ season, and history says Tennessee State will come out with a chip on its shoulder. Last time these two teams faced off in 2016, the Tigers led 14-7 after one quarter and 17-14 just before halftime.
Did You Know? Tennessee State has played just two games in 2018. Its Sept. 8 meeting with Jackson State and Sept. 15 trip to Hampton were both canceled due to inclement weather.
He Said It: “TSU is always going to be athletic… They’ve got athletes, they’re putting up points, they’re athletic as all get-out on both sides of the ball.” –Head coach Derek Mason
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.
Pre-Snap Read: Tennessee State
