Austin Peay at Vanderbilt — Sept. 5
Vanderbilt cannot afford to overlook Austin Peay, but the Commodores should have a substantial advantage in depth and physical strength. The Governors will likely attempt to shorten the game and prevent Vanderbilt from generating explosive plays. For the Commodores, this is an opportunity to establish their running game, develop offensive consistency, and give younger players meaningful snaps. Vanderbilt’s defense should be capable of controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing Austin Peay into difficult passing situations. The Governors may keep the score respectable early, but Vanderbilt should gradually take command and pull away as its superior depth becomes more significant in the second half.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 38, Austin Peay 10
