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LSU (5-1) at Vanderbilt (5-1)
- When: Oct 18 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
- Where to watch: ABC
- Last Meeting: LSU 24-17, November 23rd, 2024
(10) LSU vs (17) Vanderbilt Preview & Prediction
Spread: Vanderbilt -2.0
Moneyline: Vanderbilt (-125)
Total: 47.5
LSU Tigers Betting Breakdown
The LSU Tigers are quietly grinding their way through the SEC, but the offense continues to look more like a flat tire than a Ferrari. Ranking near the bottom of the conference in both scoring (25.8 PPG) and total offense (373.5 YPG), Brian Kelly’s crew will need a serious spark if they want to keep pace in Nashville.
Last week’s 20-10 win over South Carolina wasn’t exactly a highlight reel, though the 166 rushing yards did offer a glimmer of balance. Kelly has emphasized that the ground game has to be “central to their success,” which is coach-speak for please, somebody block somebody.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has shown flashes of brilliance but still throws picks like he’s allergic to the red zone. Playing through a nagging abdominal strain and ankle issue, Nussmeier looked more confident last week — a good sign heading into this matchup. LSU’s defense, on the other hand, has been the glue keeping this team in games. The Tigers rank third in the SEC in scoring defense (11.8 PPG) and sixth in total defense (297 YPG), giving them a fighting chance against Vanderbilt’s high-octane attack.
Player to Watch: Garrett Nussmeier — Expect LSU’s offense to live or die by his decision-making and pocket presence.
Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Breakdown
The Vanderbilt Commodores have been one of the SEC’s biggest surprises this season, averaging 43.2 points per game while piling up 467.5 yards of offense. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been electric, ranking near the top of the league in both total offense and passing efficiency. His combination of mobility and accuracy has given opposing defenses headaches all year.
Running back Sedrick Alexander provides balance, helping Vanderbilt lead the SEC with an eye-popping 6.55 yards per carry. The Commodores’ offensive rhythm could be the difference-maker in a matchup where both teams like to control tempo.
Defensively, Vanderbilt isn’t elite, but they’re opportunistic. They allow 313 yards per game, and coach Clark Lea knows possessions will be precious in a game where both sides want to grind the clock. Expect Vanderbilt to rely on timely defensive stops and ball control to keep LSU chasing.
Player to Watch: Diego Pavia — His dual-threat ability could stretch LSU’s disciplined defense thin.
Prediction
This matchup comes down to consistency and right now, Vanderbilt has more of it. LSU’s defense will make them earn every yard, but the Commodores’ efficiency and home-field edge should tilt the balance their way.
Final Score: Vanderbilt 27, LSU 20
Lean: Vanderbilt -2.0
Total: Under 47.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
