Vanderbilt Commodores Preview | Expert Predictions & Best Bets for 2024

Vanderbilt Commodores Preview, Predictions & Season Win Total Pick

With the longest odds to win the SEC, not much is expected of the Vanderbilt Commodores in 2024. Head coach Clark Lea will be tasked with more important things than wins and losses in a year where growth and development will be essential. In the SEC, the small victories will count most for the Commodores in 2024. 

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Vanderbilt Commodores Preview

2023 Record: 2-10 (0-8); SEC Finish: 7th in SEC East 
A.P. Poll: NA | Coaches Poll: NA | PFF: No. 94
Head Coach: Clark Lea 9-27 (2-22) | 4th Season | Overall: 9-27
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Beck
Co-Defensive Coordinator: Steve Gregory/Clark Lea

Vanderbilt Commodores Futures Odds (FanDuel)

National Championship Odds: +100000 | CFB Playoff Odds: +15000
SEC Championship Odds: +50000 
Regular Season Wins: OVER 2.5 -200 | UNDER 2.5 +160

Vanderbilt Preview: Why You Should Be Bullish

Let’s be honest: there aren’t many reasons to be excited about the Vanderbilt Commodores in 2024. Look no further than their win total set at just 2.5 games. Still, if we’re talking positives, incoming quarterback Diego Pavia from New Mexico State has the chance to come in and put his stamp on this offense. Pavia’s dual-threat ability should at least allow the Commodores to stay in more games this year. The odds of them winning those games remain thin, but at least they might be a more exciting watch. 

Vanderbilt Preview: Why You Should Be Bearish

The Commodores play in the most daunting conference in college football and don’t have the talent to compete with the best programs in the SEC. Last season saw Vanderbilt finish with the worst record of any Power Five school, and there’s no reason to believe that they won’t be in the conversation for that to transpire again in 2024. Unless the Commodores have sudden miracles all over their roster, another miserable season is expected for Vanderbilt. 

Breakout Player: TE Eli Stowers

After converting to tight end from quarterback last year, Eli Stowers is a name to watch in 2024 for the Commodores. Stowers hauled in 35 passes for 366 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year. Stowers is familiar with Pavia as a quarterback, which could increase his overall production in a big way. Whether you highlight his blocking or pass-catching ability, Stowers will be a name we have highlighted in 2024. 

Vanderbilt X-Factor: QB Diego Pavia

We already mentioned Pavia as a reason to be bullish about the Commodores in 2024. Although he won’t be able to transform Vanderbilt’s roster by himself, there’s reason to be excited about his overall potential. Although his frame doesn’t stand out, Pavia’s rushing upside and downfield arm strength make him a threat to be a household name moving forward. 

Vanderbilt Schedule Analysis

Some real winnable games are on their schedule in 2024, which should at least create some positive buzz that’s been missing for this program. Still, taking on Alabama, Texas, LSU, and Tennessee won’t help head coach Clark Lea sleep well at night. On the other hand, winning or staying in games against Alcorn State, Georgia State, and Ball State is a real possibility. If the Commodores hope to go over their win total, all three games likely need to end in wins, barring a real upset. 

Vanderbilt Prediction: OVER/UNDER 2.5 Wins

It’s unsurprising to see the Commodores’ win total set at just 2.5 entering 2024. Last year, Vanderbilt won only a pair of games, and a big leap forward isn’t expected quite yet. There are certainly three games on their schedule that can be considered potential victories for the Commodores. Still, there are no certainties with a roster shaped like this, and we’ll bank on it being one more season with only two wins in the bank come the end of their schedule. 

Vanderbilt Preseason Pick

UNDER 2.5 (+160, FanDuel Sportsbook)

Vanderbilt Best Bets

Even though there are real expectations that Vanderbilt can take a step forward in 2024, that ultimately might not come in the wins category. The SEC remains a powerhouse, and the Commodore’s schedule is no cakewalk. It’s nearly impossible to be excited about laying -200 on the over, but there’s some slight value in expecting Vandy’s win total to stay stagnant for another year. 

SEC Previews: Arkansas | Auburn | Florida |Kentucky | LSU | Mississippi State | Missouri | Oklahoma| South Carolina | Tennessee  | Texas A&M

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