NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt hosts No. 20 LSU on Saturday in the home opener for the Commodores.
The contest also represents the second game for both teams in a 10-game, SEC-only schedule in 2020. Vandy is coming off a 17-12 loss at No. 13 Texas A&M while No. 20 LSU fell 44-34 to No. 16 Mississippi State at home last time out.
Here is more on how to watch, listen and follow Saturday’s contest as well as five key matchups at Vanderbilt Stadium when the Commodores face the Tigers:
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Location: Vanderbilt Stadium
Television: SEC Network
Broadcast Crew
Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Virtual Tailgate
Hosted by Kevin Ingram, the Commodore Tailgate Show will stream live on Vanderbilt Athletics’ Twitter account, YouTube channel, VUCommodores.com and the Vanderbilt Commodores app. In addition to pregame commentary, the show will include exclusive segments with coaches and guests.
Channel Finder
AT&T | Xfinity | DISH | Comcast
Streaming
Available via the ESPN app
Vanderbilt IMG Sports Network
Announcers: Joe Fisher (play-by-play), Norman Jordan (analyst), Kevin Ingram (sideline)
On-Air Time: 6 p.m.
Pregame Show: 5 p.m.
Affiliates: WQZQ 830 AM, 93.3 FM, 101.9 Nashville; WNSR 560 AM, 59.9 FM Nashville; WALV 105.1 FM Chattanooga; WEKR 1240 AM Fayetteville; WJJM 1490 AM, 94.3 FM Lewisburg; WMPS 1210 AM, 103.1 FM Memphis; KASR 92.7 FM Conway, Arkansas
Satellite
Sirius: 81 and 191
XM: 81 and 191
Online: 81 and 962
Streaming Apps
Multimedia
Twitter: @VandyFootball and @VandyNotes
Instagram: @VandyFootball
Facebook: Vanderbilt Athletics
Game day hashtag: #RTI | #ANCHORDOWN
Weather
66 degrees at kickoff, 20 percent chance of rain
What do y’all think???🔥❄️🔥❄️🔥#VandyScript #AnchorDown ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/gmRt0zy80C
— Derek Mason (@CoachDerekMason) October 1, 2020
1. IN THE TRENCHES
So far, so good for Vanderbilt’s big bodies on both sides of the play.
The Commodores on the defensive and offensive lines had solid showings Week One at Texas A&M. Vandy’s front five on offense kept quarterback Ken Seals relatively clean for 60 minutes last Saturday and carved out holes for backs Jamauri Wakefield and Ja’Veon Marlow to combine for 102 rushing yards.
Pro Football Focus rated Vanderbilt’s defensive line the best among Power 5 conference units last week.
This week’s challenge for both groups will be to not only be consistent with their respective performances, but to be able to stand up to a traditionally physical LSU program.
2. BOTHER BRENNAN
Myles Brennan, a redshirt junior, played a backup role to Heisman Trophy quarterback Joe Burrow the past two seasons in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Now the Tigers’ offense is under the direction of the Mississippi native Brennan.
Last week against Mississippi State, Brennan threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns – but he was also picked off twice and sacked seven times.
Vanderbilt’s defense will have to figure out a way to contain, as well as bother, the talented Brennan both in pass coverage and in pass rush so as not to allow the 6-foot-4, 210-pound signal caller to get into a rhythm.
3. POINTS ON THE BOARD
Vanderbilt brought in coordinator Todd Fitch over the offseason looking to build an offense that could up big numbers. The Commodores fared well during that offense’s debut last week in terms of being able to move the ball – but Vandy ended up with just 12 points on the board.
The Dores had five possessions last week at Texas A&M that crossed midfield but ended without points. This week that unit will have to find a way to dent the scoreboard more often against an LSU defense that surrendered 44 points a week ago.
4. RECEIVERS AND DBS
One of Vanderbilt’s strengths this season is expected to be its secondary which features a crop of experienced and talented student-athletes.
It’s a group that will be tested Saturday against LSU’s wide receivers and tight ends. Seven different Tiger wideouts caught a pass last week led by Terrace Marshall’s eight grabs for 122 yards.
Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks and safeties will have to be at their very best while looking for their first interception of 2020.
5. KEEP TRUCKING
“We’re not a Maserati, we’re just a Ford truck. We’re rolling down the road and what we’re trying to do is make sure that we play good football.”
That’s Derek Mason’s assessment of his 2020 team as an unprecedented season continues in to Week Two. That narrative will be important to follow Saturday when the Commodores try to upend the defending national champions.
Vanderbilt’s ability to stay the course, stay sound and stay focused while not only be imperative for this weekend, but for the remainder of the fall.
Chad Bishop covers Vanderbilt for VUCommodores.com. Follow him @MrChadBishop.