Vanderbilt started out the season 0-1, but everyone else in the SEC
rolled to a win. While the Commodores’ loss to WKU was the long blemish on a 12-1 weekend, there was some fight and there was a big chance late to come up with a game-tying two point conversion. None of it will matter if Vandy can shock Georgia, who squeaked by ULM 51-14.

Below we dive into the Georgia vs. Vanderbilt prediction and game preview.

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: CBS

Why You Need To Care

Vanderbilt stunned Georgia 31-27 two years ago, but that win and 2006 were the only two in the series since 1994. This year’s team really is better than last year’s nightmare, even if it didn’t show it off against WKU. There’s more of an offense now even though scoring was a struggle, while the defense put the clamps down on the high-powered Hilltopper attack. That was supposed to be a tune-up for Vandy, and now it’s time to show that all the experience will mean more production. With three straight road games to follow next week’s Austin Peay showdown, and five of the next six away from Nashville, the Commodores have to take advantage of the date.

Georgia is just now figuring out all of its various parts to the offensive puzzle, but it all worked out nicely against ULM with a dangerous downfield passing game to take advantage of the D that loaded up to try slowing down Nick Chubb. It was a true walk in the park, and it was exactly what the team needed with the SEC showdowns up next, taking on South Carolina next and Alabama at the beginning of October, right after facing Southern.

Why Georgia Will Win

Can Vanderbilt score? The offense that averaged 288 yards and 17 points per game didn’t exactly crank things up a notch in the opener, struggling to move the chains at all with nothing happening down the field. Georgia’s defense has the line to hold its own against the Commodore ground game without much help, while the secondary should erase the mediocre receiving corps despite giving up a few too many easy play against the Warhawks. Georgia has the passing game and the balanced attack – in a good way. Vanderbilt doesn’t. It might just take a few drives to get this done.

Why Vanderbilt Will Win

The Commodores have to do everything else right. Georgia scored so quickly that it didn’t have the ball much, but time of possession needs to matter this week. The Bulldogs had it for just over 23 minutes, while Vandy kept the ball for 36:39 against WKU. Being at least a +2 in turnover margin is a must, and there can’t be any penalties. Again, it’s going to take everything else possible to make this happen considering the firepower isn’t there to keep up.

Player Who Matters

Greyson Lambert didn’t have extend himself too much in the opener. The junior Georgia quarterback completed 8-of12 passes for 141 yards and two scores, putting the game away easily early on. It’s going to be a whole lot tougher this week considering Vanderbilt held WKU’s Brandon Doughty and that offense to just 217 yards through the air with a touchdown and two picks. Lambert can rely on Chubb and the ground game, but for Georgia to be a real player, he has to progress against the SEC’s lightweight.

What’s Going To Happen?

Georgia will stumble a bit, but it’ll get by. It’s all about the turnovers – if Georgia gives them up, it’ll be close, but if it plays a clean game, forget it. It’s not going to inspire the masses, but the Bulldogs won’t have to work too hard.

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt Score Prediction

Drum roll, please … the Georgia vs. Vanderbilt prediction is …

Prediction: Georgia 30, Vanderbilt 14

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2

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