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As the college football calendar turns to November, Vanderbilt is focused on establishing a winning tradition in the final month of the regular season. Last year, the Commodores nearly swept the month, suffering just one loss, and they are eager to match or surpass that performance this fall.
The upcoming schedule presents an intriguing opening challenge: a road trip to face Mississippi State, a team that enters the season with modest expectations after being picked to finish 15th in the SEC. While playing away from home adds difficulty, the Bulldogs are perceived as one of the more manageable opponents in Vanderbilt's nine-game conference slate.
Key Matchup Dynamics
The primary focus for Vanderbilt is containing quarterback Kamario Taylor, a dual-threat signal-caller who earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors twice last season despite not being the full-time starter. Taylor's ability to extend plays with his legs could open up passing lanes, so the Commodores must win the battle in the trenches and pressure him consistently. Doing so would also help limit the impact of running back Fluff Bothwell, who rushed for 677 yards in 2025.
On the other side, Mississippi State's defense is a point of concern, as they ranked near the bottom nationally in run defense (115th). Vanderbilt's offensive line, featuring several veterans, should find opportunities to create holes for running backs Sedrick Alexander and MK Young to exploit.
While the road environment might initially be challenging, the game appears to tilt in Vanderbilt's favor as it progresses. Taylor may make some plays, but the more reliable factor is Vanderbilt's ground game against a porous Bulldogs front. The Commodores' preference for a run-heavy approach aligns perfectly with this matchup.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 31, Mississippi State 21.