Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State Prediction, Game Preview


Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Commodores and Tigers.


Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 22 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, TN
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

Vanderbilt got a huge win this past week against Georgia despite being outgained 421-171 in yards and creating no turnovers. How is that possible? I have no earthly idea, but I’m sure Derek Mason will take the win.

Tennessee State is 5-1 after a win against Eastern Kentucky last week. The Tigers offense averages 36.3 points per game, but nothing is as fascinating as the most famous alumna from TSU. Scroll down for more on that.

What To Know About Vanderbilt

The offense didn’t do much against Georgia, but it did perform one important act: not turn the ball over. The Commodores are dead last in the FBS in total offense, averaging a mere 280.7 yards per game. The one weapon they have is running back Ralph Webb.

Defensively, the Commodores bend but don’t break, giving up only 22 yards per game. Linebacker Zack Cunningham is a beast, recording 81 tackles including 13 for a loss.

What to Know About Tennessee State

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Yes, Oprah went to Tennessee State! Our office used to be in one of the Harpo buildings here in Chicago, but we have since moved. It was caddy-corner from where she would shoot her show, so I felt like I was in the presence of American history each and every day I walked into work. Oprah studied communication at Tennessee State, and we saw how well that turned out for her. If this is a cheap ploy to get noticed by Oprah, well, you are seeing right through me. She’s awesome.

Advantages

Offense: Tennessee State. The Tigers can put points on the board in a hurry, having scored no fewer than 31 points in any game this season.

Defense: Vanderbilt. The defense won that game against Georgia.

Special Teams: Vanderbilt. Tommy Openshaw is 8-for-10 on field goal attempts with a long of 48.

Coaching: Vanderbilt. That was a huge win for Derek Mason this past Saturday.

Intangibles: Tennessee State. It has Oprah on its side, for goodness sake!

Matchup To Watch

Ralph Webb vs. Tennessee State front seven

The Tigers have to stop Webb and make quarterback Kyle Shurmur pass the ball to beat them.

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State Betting Odds

Spread: Vandy -28
Over/Under: 44

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State Prediction

Vanderbilt somehow pulled off that win against Georgia last week, and will be riding some major momentum going into this one against an FCS opponent on homecoming. The Commodores will have more success on offense this week, and the defense will shut down the Tigers passing game with a good effort. Sorry, Oprah, Vanderbilt rolls.

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 34, Tennessee State 13

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