Vanderbilt has exceeded even the most optimistic fan’s expectations through three weeks of the college football season. Its latest victory — a [31-7 rout](https://vanderbilthustler.com/2025/09/14/commodore-brunch-week-3-coasting-in-columbia/) of then-No.11 South Carolina in Columbia — has put the Commodores back on the national stage. Vanderbilt’s offense dominated in all facets in Week 3, while its defense forced four Gamecock turnovers.
Now, Vanderbilt returns home for an easier two-week stretch that begins with Georgia State on Saturday. The Panthers picked up their first win of the season last weekend against Murray State and now sit at 1-2. Vanderbilt was upset by Georgia State last season in a game it appeared largely unprepared for. This time around, head coach Clark Lea and his staff will certainly place a larger emphasis on taking the Panthers seriously.
While it’s easy to look ahead and think about a potential 5-0 Vanderbilt team traveling to Tuscaloosa in two weeks, the Commodores must take care of business before then. Georgia State will be looking to prove that its victory last season was not a fluke and that it can win on the road in the SEC. Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on this weekend.
#### **Georgia State linebackers vs. Vanderbilt offensive eye candy**
Quarterback Diego Pavia took a shotgun snap and handed it off to the left to running back Sedrick Alexander late in the second quarter against South Carolina. At this point, the entire Gamecock defensive unit was flowing toward the left side of the field, so when Alexander flipped the ball to wide receiver Richie Hoskins, there was plenty of room for Hoskins to sneak around the right side of the formation and cut upfield. With Pavia acting as lead blocker, Hoskins scampered for a first down to set up Vanderbilt’s second touchdown of the half.
This style of play — fake handoffs, flips, option runs and misdirection — has been a hallmark of Lea’s Vanderbilt offenses and has given defensive coordinators nightmares all season. If Georgia State wants to upset the Commodores, its linebackers must remain patient and can’t fall for the window dressing of Pavia and company. Luckily for Georgia State, its linebacker core has the skill and experience to keep up. Veteran Josiah Robinson — who has 4 TFLs and 20 tackles this season — and 6-foot-5, 240-pound senior Marlin Dean will have to be up to the challenge on Saturday night.
#### **WR Ted Hurst vs. Vanderbilt secondary**
At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, senior wide receiver Ted Hurst is a force to be reckoned with. He’s coming off a 172-yard, 2-touchdown performance in last week’s win against Murray State, where he dominated the game in all facets. He has the speed to get open, the athleticism to catch jump balls and his size makes him hard to bring down.
If Georgia State wants to put up points, Hurst is its guy. Vanderbilt cornerback Martel Hight — despite his unreal athleticism — is smaller than Hurst and could struggle in a one-on-one matchup. This battle could be game-defining, and Vanderbilt’s secondary must step up and stop Hurst to avoid an upset under the lights.
#### **FirstBank vs road woes**
Perhaps when FirstBank Stadium has been highlighted as a tough environment in past seasons, it was more wishful thinking from Vanderbilt fans than anything else. This year, though, things are different. The Commodore faithful have patiently watched their team’s domination and are ready to show the team some well-deserved affection. Vanderbilt sold out its Week 1 game against Charleston Southern, and a similar turnout is expected against Georgia State. This week, however, fans have already seen what Vanderbilt can accomplish on the field and will be ready to give Lea and his team an electric environment Saturday night.
Georgia State lost to Ole Miss 63-7 in Week 1 and has dropped six of its last seven road games dating back to last season. The Panthers got the better of Vanderbilt last season — partially because they played at home— but they will need even more to go their way this time to have a chance.
Vanderbilt will look to stay undefeated on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CDT at FirstBank Stadium when it takes on Georgia State.