The 17th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores feel they let a big opportunity get away in their first loss this season. An open date let them stew even longer.

Vanderbilt football remains confident for its upcoming game against LSU despite a recent loss to Alabama. The team believes the loss to Alabama was a humbling experience that has made them hungrier for a win. Coming off a loss, followed by a week off, Vanderbilt football hasn't lost confidence ahead of its matchup with LSU.

LSU football meets Vanderbilt in a game with high-stakes playoff implications in Week 8. Here are five things to know about the Commodores.

According to the ESPN FPI, LSU has a less than 50 percent chance against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Texas A&M Aggies, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Oklahoma Sooners. No. 10 LSU and No. 17 Vanderbilt will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville (Tenn.) on Saturday.

Garrett Nussmeier is a pure pocket passer considered a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect despite a slow start to the season due in part to injury. Diego Pavia got off to such a good start that he even received Heisman consideration early in the season before a loss to Alabama.

This is a tough stretch for the Commodores, when they will continue to be tested. After this game, they'll host the No. 16 Missouri Tigers on Oct. 25 before traveling to Austin to take on the No. 21 Texas Longhorns on Nov. 1.

Vanderbilt faces maybe its toughest defense yet on Saturday. Here’s how the Commodores could crack the LSU defense.

The LSU Tigers aren’t giving up in a highly competitive race for the most unique elite receiver prospect in the 2027 class. Whenever Ohio State and Alabama are in the chase for a recruit, it’s a generally safe bet that he’s a good prospect.