Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Georgia St. Panthers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Vanderbilt is seeking to capitalize on a strong beginning as the Commodores embark on their initial away game of the season to face Georgia State on Saturday in Atlanta.

Vanderbilt (2-0) displayed impressive defense and special teams performance in a 55-0 victory over Alcorn State last week. The Commodores effectively prevented the Braves from advancing beyond midfield, conceding a mere 71 yards and securing a pick-six from Alan Wright.

In the meantime, Brock Taylor successfully converted both of his field goal attempts and Martel Hight contributed a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown.

However, it is the offense, spearheaded by quarterback Diego Pavia, that has made Vanderbilt a thrilling team to watch. Pavia has accumulated 273 passing yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for a team-leading 155 yards and two scores. The Commodores have yet to commit a turnover.

"We are striving for an exceptional season and that requires us to continuously improve," stated coach Clark Lea, whose team has already matched last year's total number of wins (2-10).

One area of concern is penalties, with Vanderbilt having committed 15 for a total of 155 yards.

Georgia State (1-1) is fresh off a 24-21 comeback victory over Chattanooga, with Freddie Brock's touchdown run in the fourth quarter securing the winning points.

This served as a fantastic birthday present for first-year Panthers coach Dell McGee, who faced Vanderbilt last year as the running backs coach at Georgia.

"I am extremely proud of our team for persevering and never giving up," McGee expressed. "I know it wasn't a pretty win, but I am truly proud of our team. I believe that in the long run, we will learn from this and it will make a significant impact when we find ourselves in a close game."

Christian Veilleux has completed 45 out of 72 passes for a total of 448 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has only been sacked once.

Linebacker Justin Abraham (17 tackles, two for loss) has been the most active defender for the Panthers. Although he left the field with an injury during Saturday's victory, he later returned to make a crucial third-down sack that forced a punt.

This will be the first encounter between these two programs.

PREDICTION

Vanderbilt Commodores

Georgia St. Panthers