In a season opener filled with ups and downs, Vanderbilt University emerged victorious against Austin Peay, winning 28-9 on September 5 at FirstBank Stadium. The Commodores faced a challenging match against the Governors, who, despite being 28.5-point underdogs, put up a strong fight throughout the game.
Austin Peay, a ranked team in the FCS with aspirations for a playoff run, demonstrated their capabilities early on. The Governors took the lead with a seven-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Parson to Denver Harper. This initial success put pressure on Vanderbilt, which was still trying to find its footing without their previous starting quarterback, Diego Pavia.
Vanderbilt's offense struggled to find rhythm early in the game, resembling the run-heavy style that characterized their play in 2024. Running back Sedrick Alexander was heavily featured, carrying the ball on the first four plays of the game. Although a holding penalty negated an early touchdown, Vanderbilt managed to control the clock, holding a time of possession advantage of 18:52 to 4:47 after their first three drives.
As the game progressed, Vanderbilt's defense began to assert itself. The Commodores' defensive line pressured Parson, sacking him five times and limiting his rushing ability, which ultimately resulted in a minus-19 rushing yardage for the quarterback. The turning point came early in the third quarter when Austin Peay attempted to convert a crucial fourth-and-6 at Vanderbilt's 36-yard line but was thwarted by a sack from Nick Rinaldi and Edwin Kolenge. This pivotal moment allowed Vanderbilt to capitalize, driving down the field to extend their lead to 21-9.
Vanderbilt's special teams also played a significant role in the game. They blocked an extra point early on and returned it for two points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on Austin Peay's mistakes. Later, linebacker Josiah Broxton made a standout play by returning a line drive punt for a touchdown, further solidifying Vanderbilt's lead.
Freshman quarterback Jared Curtis made his debut in the game, receiving enthusiastic support from the home crowd. He entered the game before halftime and returned in the fourth quarter, making an immediate impact with a 17-yard completion and a powerful run that energized the fans. Starting quarterback Blaze Berlowitz handled most of the game, but Curtis's performance hinted at a promising future for the Commodores.
Despite the victory, Vanderbilt's performance revealed areas needing improvement, particularly on the offensive side. The Commodores' first game of the season was marred by penalties and missed opportunities, including a failed fourth-down conversion late in the game. Coach Jeff Faris and his Austin Peay squad displayed commendable preparation and execution, and they could have shifted the momentum had they capitalized on key opportunities.
As the season progresses, Vanderbilt will look to build on this win while addressing the inconsistencies that emerged. The Commodores' defense showed promise against a capable Austin Peay offense, while the Governors will aim to regroup and continue their pursuit of a successful season in the FCS.
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