CFB Preview: Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee State

The Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee State Tigers face off this Saturday in Nashville for an in-state matchup.

Vanderbilt’s Latest Loss

The Commodores have fallen to 2-2 on the season after losing to South Carolina last week. Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason said it was a difficult loss for his team. However, Mason said his team has been hard at work in practice this week.

Vanderbilt has now lost two in a row, as they fell to Notre Dame in Week 3.

Tennessee State’s Perfect Start

Tennessee State is 2-0 on the season. Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt will be the biggest challenge the Tigers have had to face so far. After beating Bethune-Cookman 34-3 in their season opener, the Tigers next two games were canceled due to inclement weather and Hurricane Florence. Their latest win came last week against Eastern Illinois, where they won a close game 41-40.

Injuries

Vanderbilt will be without freshman wide receiver Cam Johnson for the remainder of the season. Johnson suffered a lower leg injury in last week’s game against South Carolina after the rain delay. Johnson had played in all four games of the season but will be able to enter next season as a redshirt freshman.

Didn’t expect my season to end this way, but I know my boys will continue to ball out and I’ll support them every step of the way! Thanks to everyone for the support, and kind words Vandy fans. Surgery went well. I’ll be back and on a mission next year! #AnchorDown ⚓️⚓️ pic.twitter.com/Y3HtB5CQVj

— Camron Johnson (@camjohnson_23) September 25, 2018

Tennessee State will likely be without one of its top receivers Saturday. Junior Chris Rowland suffered a chest contusion last week after making an awkward landing on a catch. The Tigers will also still be missing freshman Sabree Curtis due to a leg injury. Curtis sat out last week as well.

Game Time

Vanderbilt and Tennessee State will kick off Saturday at 4 p.m. at Vanderbilt Stadium. The game will air on SEC Network.