Week 1 Game Preview: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (8-28-24)

By: Joey Raymond

All Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network

The stage is set for an intriguing Week One matchup as the Virginia Tech Hokies travel to Nashville to face the Vanderbilt Commodores. Both teams are eager to kick off their 2024 campaigns with a win, setting the tone for the season ahead. While Vanderbilt may be regarded as one of the weaker teams in the SEC, they remain an SEC opponent, and that alone demands respect.

Virginia Tech Overview: The Hokies are coming off a solid 7-win season and enter their third year under head coach Brent Pry. They boast one of the most experienced rosters in the country, which could give them an edge right out of the gate. Quarterback Kyron Drones returns after a successful season in which he threw for 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Complimenting him is running back Bhayshul Tuten, who led the Hokies with 863 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last year. With the entire offensive line returning and a strong receiving corps featuring Da’Quan Felton, Ali Jennings, and Stephen Gosnell, Virginia Tech’s offense is poised to be potent.

On the defensive side, the Hokies are going to be formidable. Linebacker Keli Lawson, who led the team with 80 tackles, anchors a unit that also includes sack leader Antwaun Powell-Ryland (9.5 sacks) and cornerback Dorian Strong, who recorded 3 interceptions. With an improved ACC to contend with, Virginia Tech has the talent to be an above-average team this season.

Vanderbilt Overview: The Vanderbilt Commodores, under head coach Clark Lea, are looking to rebound from a challenging 2-10 season in 2023. Vanderbilt’s struggles in recent years are well-documented, with the team winning two or fewer games in three of the last four seasons. However, the arrival of transfer quarterback Diego Pavia from New Mexico State brings a sense of optimism. Pavia, the 2023 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, has proven to be a dual-threat with 39 career passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.

Vanderbilt’s offense will be revamped this season, particularly with the departure of their top three receivers. Leading rusher Sedrick Alexander, who posted 371 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season, returns to anchor the backfield. Defensively, the Commodores are led by Langston Patterson, who had 74 tackles last year, along with CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright, who contributed three sacks and two interceptions, respectively.

Game Outlook: The Hokies enter this matchup as 13.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 50.5 points. While the Hokies are expected to have the upper hand, especially with their experience and depth, Vanderbilt should not be underestimated, particularly with the dynamic Pavia at quarterback. The weather in Nashville could also play a role in how the game unfolds, potentially impacting the scoring.

This game marks the first meeting between these two programs in recent history, and it promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. Virginia Tech’s well-rounded, experienced squad faces a Vanderbilt team looking to surprise and begin their season on a high note. While the