| MATCHUP | Austin Peay Governors | Vanderbilt Commodores |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +29.5 -122 | -29.5 102 |
| Moneyline | +1700 | -4500 |
| Total | Over 60.5 (-108) | Under 60.5 (-112) |
| Where | FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | |
| When | Saturday, September 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | SECN+ | |
Vanderbilt Preview
Vanderbilt finished last season with a 10-3 overall record, a 6-2 conference record, and placed 7th in the SEC. They had a 6-1 home record and a 4-2 road record (alongside a bowl game loss).
Offensively, the Commodores scored 38.5 points per game (ranking 8th in the nation). Defensively, Vanderbilt allowed 22.8 points per game (ranking 48th in the nation). They averaged 463.1 total yards per game (175.5 rushing, 287.5 passing) and gave up 357.5 total yards per game (108.2 rushing, 249.4 passing).
Diego Pavia led the Commodores with 267/378 completed passes and 3,539 total passing yards, throwing 29 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Diego Pavia also led the team in rushing yards with 862, adding a team-high 10 rushing touchdowns, while Eli Stowers had a team-high 62 caught passes for 769 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Bryan Longwell led the team with 101 total tackles (36 solo), while Miles Capers led Vanderbilt in sacks with 4.5.
Austin Peay Preview
The Austin Peay Governors are coming off a 35-17 home victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, where they outgained their opponents 483-344 yards and had 68 total plays. Austin Peay had 308 passing yards, 175 rushing yards, and 14/21 completed passes, while the turnover battle was tied at 1-1. The Governors were 4/13 on third down conversions.
Chris Parson led Austin Peay with 14/21 passes and 308 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. Courtland Simmons had a team-high 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Denver Harper caught 3 passes for a team-high 108 receiving yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Trevor Hardy led the Governors with 10 total tackles, 7 of them solo, while Kelton Crisp had 1.5 sacks.
Austin Peay Governors @ Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Trends: Week 1
Why the Vanderbilt Commodores will win
- Vanderbilt has won each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at FirstBank Stadium.
- The favorite has covered the spread in eight of Vanderbilt’s last nine games at FirstBank Stadium.
- Vanderbilt has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against non-FBS teams.
- Vanderbilt has won the first half in each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at FirstBank Stadium.
Why the Austin Peay Governors will win
- Vanderbilt has lost seven of its last eight games against teams from Tennessee.
- Vanderbilt has failed to cover the spread in 13 of its last 15 home games in September.
- Vanderbilt has lost the first half in seven of its last eight games against teams from Tennessee.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Vanderbilt’s last 12 September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Vanderbilt Commodores Player Prop Facts
- Ricardo Jones ranked T2nd amongst FBS players for interceptions (6) last season.
Austin Peay Governors Player Prop Facts
- Hamilton DiBoyan led South Alabama for field goals made (6) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Vanderbilt ranked 4th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (10.6).
- Vanderbilt ranked 4th among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (20.5).
Austin Peay vs Vanderbilt Prediction
In this Austin Peay vs Vanderbilt Prediction, Vanderbilt is coming as -29.5 home favorites. Vanderbilt is coming off an excellent season with a 10-3 record and were almost perfect at home with 6-1. They were also 10-3 against the spread and had a top-10 offense, with a dominating +15.7 point differential and I don’t expect them to have trouble against an inferior Austin Peay squad, who are coming off a mediocre season in the FCS. Vanderbilt is also projected as an almost top-50 team this season and I expect them to win their season opener comfortably and cover the -29.5 spread.