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Georgia vs. Vanderbilt preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream

By Matt Hicks

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 29: Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs the ball in the first half of the Vanderbilt Commodores game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Vanderbilt Stadium, September 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 29: Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs the ball in the first half of the Vanderbilt Commodores game against the Tennessee State Tigers at Vanderbilt Stadium, September 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Vanderbilt is looking to make an early-season statement as they host SEC East foe and national title contender Georgia in Week 1.

Georgia will be led out onto the field by their experienced and poised junior quarterback Jake Fromm. Since taking the starting job from Jacob Eason in 2017 he has thrown for 5,376 yards and 54 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passing attempts. His veteran leadership is sure to be a foundation for the Bulldogs success in 2019.

Vanderbilt, however, has yet to officially name a starting quarterback for their early-season showdown against Georgia. Riley Neal, a graduate transfer from Ball State appears to be the favorite for the starting job. Duece Wallace and Mo Hasan, however, are also candidates to earn the top job. With all three quarterbacks in contention, it makes me believe Derek Mason is not excited about any of his options.

The Commodores. however, do have a couple of players worth watching. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is an explosive running back who ran for 1,244 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018. He could skyrocket his NFL Draft stock with a big game in Week 1 against one of the best defenses in the nation. Wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb and tight end Jared Pinkey are two more playmakers who could make Georgia’s night harder than expected.

There’s no question about the Bulldogs backfield. D’Andre Swift dual-threat ability will dominate defenses weekly this season, and I expect it to start right away in Week 1. If Georgia gets out to an early lead we could also see our first glimpse at Zamir White.

What is still to be decided, though, is who will be the top receiving threat for the now Jim Cheney-less Bulldogs offense. Demetris Robertson, Kearis Jackson, and Tyler Simmons are listed atop their depth chart to begin the season.

How to watch and bet on Vanderbilt vs Georgia Tech

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
  • Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Vanderbilt Stadium-Nashville, TN
  • TV Info: ESPN
  • Live Stream: WatchESPN
  • Point Spread: – 23 Georgia
  • Over/Under: 58 (odds courtesy of Bovada)

Prediction: Vanderbilt’s offense should make this a fun game to watch but Georgia will run away with this one. The Commodores will rely primarily on their running game, given their inexperience at quarterback. Georgia’s defense is one of the best in the country, though. Defensive linemen Tyler Clark and Malik Herring combined with linebackers Monty Rice and Nolan Smith will ensure that Vaughn is kept in check. Don’t be surprised if safety J.R. Reed comes away with a takeaway as well.

It will be fun, and there will be flashes of black and gold but ultimately this one will be all about the Bulldogs.

Score Prediction: 38-14

Georgia covers the spread and the under hits.

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