In one of the bigger SEC games this week, LSU is a 2.5-point underdog against Vanderbilt. Unsurprisingly, the Tigers have entered most of these matchups as the favorites.
LSU had been favored over Vanderbilt in 19 consecutive meetings entering this week. In fact, the Commodores were last favored over the Tigers back in 1948.
During this five-game stretch in '48, Vandy outscored its opponents, 220-7. LSU scored the only touchdown on a kick return in a 48-7 loss.
- Oct. 16, W 26-7, at Kentucky
- Oct. 23, W 35-0, at Yale
- Oct. 29, W 47-0, at Auburn
- Nov. 6, W 48-7, vs. LSU
This is Vanderbilt’s first game as a favorite against an SEC opponent since Nov. 24, 2018, when it was -3.5 at home against Tennessee. The 'Dores won that game, 38-13, after a streak of 51 consecutive SEC games without being a favorite.
Vanderbilt hasn’t been a favorite against a ranked opponent since Oct. 11, 1947, against Ole Miss.
The Commodores were between 6- and 7-point favorites over Ole Miss that day after starting 2-0 on the season. They beat the No. 18 Rebels at home, while Vandy was ranked No. 10 that week.
Since 2022, Vanderbilt has been pretty decent as a favorite, going 9-2 straight up in 11 games in that role.
The issue has been when it's been a favorite by a short number. As a favorite of under 10 points, Vanderbilt is 0-2 SU since the start of the 2023 season.
The Commodores have ascended in the SEC in recent years under head coach Clark Lea and quarterback Diego Pavia.
Pavia leads the team in passing and rushing, throwing for 1,409 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions, while adding another 352 yards and two scores on the ground.
He has a big test ahead of him against the top-10 Tigers and potential first-round NFL Draft pick Garrett Nussmeier.
