Vanderbilt Aims to Break 176-Game Underdog Streak Against LSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked No. 18, are set to face the No. 10 LSU Tigers in a crucial SEC matchup on Saturday, aiming to break a 176-game streak as betting underdogs against ranked opponents. Vanderbilt is favored by 2.5 points, marking the first time since 1948 they have been pegged as favorites over LSU.

Vanderbilt, sporting a 5-1 record, hopes to gain momentum after a bye week, which followed a disappointing 30-14 loss to Alabama. “It’d mean a lot for this program, a lot for this team,” said Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander. “We want to go 1-0 each and every week.”

In contrast, LSU is coming off a 20-10 victory against South Carolina, where quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns. However, he has struggled against ranked teams, holding a 2-4 record as a starter while throwing ten touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s quarterback, seeks redemption after two red zone turnovers cost his team against Alabama. Despite his struggles, Coach Clark Lea remains confident in Pavia’s potential. “He’s capable of far more,” he said. A win over LSU would mark Vanderbilt’s first season with multiple victories over AP top-15 teams.

The Commodores face a challenging schedule ahead, including matches against No. 16 and No. 21 in back-to-back weeks. A victory against LSU would prove their legitimacy as contenders in the College Football Playoff race.

Kickoff at FirstBank Stadium is set for noon ET on Saturday, with both teams eager to secure a pivotal win in the SEC standings.