From Vanderbilt Commodores · · 3m
Four writers pick Vanderbilt vs Delaware
Every Vandy on SI staffer has the Commodores winning week two, but nobody agrees on how convincing it looks.
In brief
Every Vandy on SI staffer has the Commodores winning week two, but nobody agrees on how convincing it looks. The staff is unanimous on a Vanderbilt win, and just as unanimous that the unsettled quarterback job is what keeps the margin from being a blowout everyone trusts. Originally reported by Vanderbilt Commodores.
Life after Diego Pavia
Vanderbilt opened the post-Pavia era with a 28-9 win over Austin Peay. Week two against Delaware is the next read on whether this team has more to show.
The beat has been watching
Vandy on SI sat in on every fall camp practice and preseason press conference for Clark Lea's sixth Vanderbilt team. These picks come from all of that.
Tovitz: 38-13 Vanderbilt
Dylan Tovitz sees a breakout day for the offense and the biggest margin on the staff board.
Open up the playbook
Week one play calling was conservative. Tovitz expects Lea to let it fly against a Delaware defense that looks vulnerable, if only to get both quarterbacks real reps.
“expect Lea to open up the playbook more this Saturday”
Let the defense set it up
If Steve Gregory's unit repeats its Austin Peay showing, Vanderbilt takes control early and the offense gets to play loose. A runaway first half is on the table.
“Don't be surprised if the Commodores run away with this one early”
Andersen: 31-13 Vanderbilt
Mikey Andersen picks the win but not the fireworks. He does not think the offense clicks until one quarterback owns the job.
Man coverage needs work
Andersen flags fundamentals in man coverage. Clean those up or big plays keep handing opponents field goal range.
A win that leaves you wanting
Until Curtis is named the starter or Berlowitz holds him off, Andersen thinks the playbook stays shallow. 31-13 reads dominant and still disappoints.
“the game will likely leave Vanderbilt fans wanting more”
Baakko: 34-10 Vanderbilt
Graham Baakko is tempering his offensive expectations after week one, but Delaware's defensive numbers from late last season say Vanderbilt can put up points.
Defense decides it
Baakko expects Delaware to move the ball on a couple of drives. He still thinks Vanderbilt's defensive leaders are too much for them.
Dwyer: 35-17 Vanderbilt
Joey Dwyer nailed 28-9 against Austin Peay after getting mocked for it. He is far less confident this time.
“my once-ridiculed prediction that Vanderbilt would beat Austin Peay 28-9 was among my best”
Two teams hard to read
Dwyer does not know how much of the playbook Tim Beck unlocks for each quarterback, or how much the competition distracts. Delaware's defense is just as murky.
Merrimack is not the SEC
Delaware allowed seven points in week one, but that opponent was Merrimack. Dwyer expects faster tempo and more explosive plays from both sides.
Delaware's one real weapon
A veteran quarterback and a downfield passing attack could scare Vanderbilt. Dwyer still cannot picture the Commodores losing, or even keeping it close.
“it's difficult to see Vanderbilt not winning this one significantly”
The bottom line
The staff is unanimous on a Vanderbilt win, and just as unanimous that the unsettled quarterback job is what keeps the margin from being a blowout everyone trusts.
