Vanderbilt had a football team before Diego Pavia was its quarterback, and it’ll keep on going without him, but during his era, the program got better, stronger, and it’s in a far better place.
The opener against Austin Peay is about finding an offensive style that wasn’t completely reliant on Pavia’s magic, but the Governors are coming off a good defensive performance in a 35-17 win over Gardner-Webb.
- This is the second time the two programs have played. Vanderbilt won 47-7 in 2015 and 38-3 in 2013.
- The Commodores have won the last four season openers. Before that, it lost three in a row and seven in nine years.
Up next for Vandy are Delaware and NC State before starting the SEC season at Auburn.
This is the second time the two programs have played. Vanderbilt won 47-7 in 2015 and 38-3 in 2013.
The Commodores have won the last four season openers. Before that, it lost three in a row and seven in nine years.
Up next for Vandy are Delaware and NC State before starting the SEC season at Auburn.
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
– CFN Week 1 Expert Picks
The Vanderbilt offense might be focusing on the new quarterback situation, but the offensive line is the bigger early concern with three transfers coming in to fill in the gaps.
Austin Peay was great at dominating the time of possession battle in the win over Gardner-Webb. It won’t be deliberately slow, but it’s going to keep the pace measured.
Gardner-Webb was able to throw without a problem against the Governors, at least on the short-to midrange passes. Vanderbilt will give the ball to Blaze Berlowitz, but star freshman prospect Jared Curtis will get his throws in.
On the other side, the Commodore linebacking corps will swarm all over the Austin Peay running game that won’t go anywhere.
– Vanderbilt 2026 Preview
Austin Peay did beat Middle Tennessee 34-14 to open up last season, but …
Vanderbilt beat Charleston Southern 45-3 to open up last season, took out Alcorn State 55-0 in 2024, and beat Alabama A&M 47-13 in 2023. The record against FCS teams hasn’t been perfect – the 23-3 loss to Tennessee State to open up the 2021 season wasn’t great – but it’s a different program now.
Vanderbilt 41, Austin Peay 13
Latest Consensus Line: Vanderbilt -29.5, o/u: 60.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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