Vanderbilt Faces A Big Test

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (THN News) — Vanderbilt enters one of its biggest tests of the young season Saturday when the Commodores travel to Athens to face No. 2 Georgia.

The Commodores are 3-1 overall and 0-1 in SEC play after opening the season with three consecutive victories at FirstBank Stadium. Vanderbilt defeated Austin Peay 28-9, Delaware 35-26 and NC State 35-31 before suffering its first loss, 21-15 at Auburn, last Saturday.

Vanderbilt had opportunities against Auburn. The Commodores actually outgained the Tigers 311-279, but struggled on third down, converting only 4 of 17 attempts. Auburn also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, a major swing in a game ultimately decided by six points.

Freshman quarterback Jared Curtis accounted for 245 total yards against Auburn, completing 22 of 33 passes for 199 yards while rushing for another 46. Wide receiver Junior Sherrill caught six passes for 95 yards and extended his streak to 41 consecutive games with a reception.

Running back Sedrick Alexander also reached a major Vanderbilt milestone. His three-yard touchdown against Auburn was the 30th total touchdown of his career, tying Zac Stacy for second on Vanderbilt's career list. It was Alexander's 24th career rushing touchdown.

The Commodore defense has produced encouraging signs as well. Vanderbilt has forced at least one turnover in each of its first four games and recorded a sack in eight consecutive games dating to last season.

Defensive captain Nick Rinaldi entered the Auburn game with 18 tackles, 4½ tackles for loss and a team-leading 3½ sacks. Rinaldi was recently named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes football performance, academics and leadership.

NEXT UP: NO. 2 GEORGIA

Vanderbilt now heads to Sanford Stadium for its second consecutive SEC road game.

Vanderbilt (3-1, 0-1 SEC) at No. 2 GeorgiaSaturday, October 3Kickoff: 11:45 a.m. CTLocation: Sanford Stadium — Athens, GeorgiaTV: SEC Network

After Georgia, Vanderbilt returns to Nashville for consecutive SEC home games against Ole Miss on October 10 and Arkansas on October 17.

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