Vanderbilt Shocks LSU? Diego Pavia and Garrett Nussmeier Face Off in Unforgettable Showdown

After a much-needed breather, Vanderbilt football is gearing up to clash with LSU on October 18 at FirstBank Stadium — a matchup buzzing with both promise and tension. The Commodores, standing strong at 5-1 with a 1-1 SEC record, stumbled against Alabama two weeks back but aren’t about to pack it in just yet. A victory over the Tigers could very well light a fire under their College Football Playoff aspirations that’s been smoldering all season long. Meanwhile, LSU, matching Vanderbilt’s 5-1 tally but holding a slight edge at 2-1 in conference play, eked out a gritty 20-10 win over South Carolina—one riddled with enough slip-ups to make any coach’s head spin. The experts are weighing in on how this tantalizing battle will unfold—especially as two standout quarterbacks take center stage. This game isn’t just a contest; it’s a pivotal moment that could chart the course of the postseason drama we’re all hungry for. LEARN MORE

Vanderbilt football returns off an open date to face LSU on Oct. 18 at FirstBank Stadium.

The Commodores (5-1, 1-1 SEC) lost at Alabama two weeks ago but still have it all to play for, and a win against the Tigers would re-ignite a run to the CFP.

LSU (5-1, 2-1) won 20-10 against South Carolina last week in a mistake-filled game on both sides.

Here’s how the Tennessean’s experts pick Vandy-LSU:

Vanderbilt-LSU picks as Commodores, Diego Pavia start run to the playoff

Aria Gerson, Vanderbilt beat reporter: Vanderbilt 24, LSU 14

The fact that the Commodores will be at home should play in their favor. But a big key to being able to score enough against the Tigers’ defense will be avoiding turnovers, especially the type of back-breaking, red-zone turnovers Vanderbilt had against Alabama.

Gentry Estes, columnist: Vanderbilt 22, LSU 21

If Vandy is a true playoff contender, it wins a game like this at home with the benefit of a bye week. Won’t be easy, though.

Tom Kreager, sports director: Vanderbilt 31, LSU 28

Diego Pavia is just better than Garrett Nussmeier in a battle between two of the better SEC quarterbacks. The win boosts the Commodores’ hopes in a potential CFP berth.