The Commodores’ explosive offense and dominant performance lift them to a milestone start, marking their best opening in over 15 years.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. | The Vanderbilt Commodores are off to their best start in more than a decade after dismantling Georgia State 70-21 on Saturday night at FirstBank Stadium. The victory improved Vanderbilt to 4-0 for the first time since 2008, fueling optimism around a program looking to make noise in the SEC this fall.
Vanderbilt’s offense was unstoppable, piling up over 600 total yards with a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Panthers from start to finish. Quarterback Diego Pavia delivered another stellar outing, throwing for multiple touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat ability. Running back Patrick Smith powered the ground game with explosive runs, and the receiving corps chipped in with several big-play scores.
On the defensive side, Vanderbilt forced three turnovers and limited Georgia State’s passing game, setting up short fields for the Commodore offense. A pick-six in the third quarter capped a dominant stretch that saw Vanderbilt score 28 unanswered points.
Program Milestone
The hot start marks a turning point for a Vanderbilt program that has struggled in recent years to gain traction in the SEC. Head coach Clark Lea credited his team’s preparation and resilience, calling the 4-0 start “a sign of the growth and belief within our locker room.”
With conference play looming, Vanderbilt’s early success positions the Commodores as one of the season’s surprise stories and a potential disruptor in the SEC East race.
What’s Next
The Commodores return to action next Saturday in their SEC opener, where they’ll look to extend their unbeaten streak against a ranked divisional opponent. Georgia State, now 1-3, will regroup in Sun Belt play.
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-- By Sarah Darden
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