LSU brings its high-flying aerial attack to Nashville this weekend to open up SEC play against the 0-2 Commodores. The Tigers rested numerous starters in last week’s blowout win over Northwestern State, while Vanderbilt had a bye week to clean up its issues with penalties and pass defense.
LSU Tigers vs Vanderbilt Commodores (Matchup Report)
Date/Time: September 21, 12 noon ET
TV Coverage: SEC Network
Sportsbook Odds: LSU -21 | O/U 57.0 (Line History)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Bettors have been quick to back the Tigers, betting them up from an opener of -21 to as high as -23.5 by Sunday night.
LSU News & Notes
Tigers QB Joe Burrow added to his already strong Heisman chances last week by passing for 373 yards and two touchdowns, adding another on the ground in LSU’s 65-14 win over Northwestern State. He’s just the sixth quarterback in LSU history to have two consecutive 300-yard passing outings, and he can tie a school record if he accomplishes a third in this one.
Ironically for a program known for its plodding offenses of the past, the Tigers are hearing some questions about how effectively they can still run the ball. They’ve averaged less than four yards per rush in each of their first three games, even though two of them were against outmanned FCS opponents. Now that they step up into SEC competition, LSU will probably need a lot more balance in order to keep its offense clicking.
Vanderbilt News & Notes
Well, at least the Commodores didn’t lose last week. It’s been an ugly start to the season for Vanderbilt, which followed up a blowout home loss to Georgia with an 18-point loss at Purdue. Will having a bye last week help? Judging by recent history, it might. The Commodores are 5-2 against the number in their last seven games following a bye, including a 23-16 loss at Alabama as 25-point dogs in 2016.
A bigger key to a point spread cover this week would be improved discipline. Vandy’s averaging the most penalties per game in the FBS, and LSU certainly needs no help moving the chains — especially facing a Commodore defense that allowed 509 passing yards two weeks ago vs Purdue.
Betting Pick: LSU -22.5
The fact that LSU sat out players last week indicates that the Tigers aren’t taking this one for granted, especially with another non-conference game slated for next week. Expect another statement performance by Burrow and the dynamic Tigers offense here.
- The total has gone OVER in LSU’s last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Vanderbilt’s last 9 games at home.
- LSU is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 conference games.
