Tennessee football: Vols, SEC and Top 25 predictions for Week 5 of 2018

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 15: A general view of Sanford Stadium during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores on October 15, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 15: A general view of Sanford Stadium during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores on October 15, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images /

Tennessee State Tigers at Vanderbilt Commodores

Saturday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. E.T.; Vanderbilt Stadium; Nashville, Tenn.

TV: SEC Network

Caleb Calhoun

The Vanderbilt Commodores could begin their downward decline once again after losing to the South Carolina Gamecocks, collapsing in the SEC only to beat Tennessee football in the end. That could happen, as they let me down last week, when I bet on them.

That’s after they surprised me when I bet against them to cover the week before. This week, they have nothing to show me, as they’re facing an FCS school. Derek Mason’s team will coast to victory in a meaningless outing.

Vanderbilt: 38 Tennessee State: 0

Garrett Sanders

Vanderbilt will get the job done this weekend. Tennessee State has been playing well lately though. The key for Vanderbilt will be to win the turnover margin and score off of the turnovers they force.

Kyle Shurmur will have yet another impressive week. Overall, Vanderbilt should have a big lead by
halftime and Tennessee State won’t be able to come back. The Commodores will be one step closer to reaching bowl eligibility.

Vanderbilt: 42 Tennessee State: 3

Billy Williford

What a letdown the Commodores were last week. I fully expected them to play much better against South Carolina, and I even picked them to win the game outright.

Years ago this was the type of game Vanderbilt would have lost. However, this is a bounce-back game, and this one isn’t even close. The Commodores have a very good defense and a passing attack to watch for in SEC play. That is too much for Tennessee State in this one.

Vanderbilt: 42 Tennessee State: 13