Week 8 of the 2025 college football season brings a pivotal SEC clash as the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores (5–1, 1–1 SEC) host the No. 10 LSU Tigers (5–1, 2–1 SEC) at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Both teams enter with identical overall records, but the stakes differ: LSU is fighting to stay alive in the SEC West race, while Vanderbilt is seeking to prove its legitimacy as a rising contender in the East. The Commodores are coming off their first loss of the season at Alabama, while LSU rebounded from a setback with a gritty 20–10 win over South Carolina. The quarterback duel between Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, one of the SEC’s most dynamic dual-threats, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, a steady pocket passer, headlines this matchup. Adding intrigue, Vanderbilt has not beaten LSU since 1991, making this a potential program-defining opportunity.
How to watch: Date, time, venue, TV
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff time: 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT (local)
- Venue: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
- TV: ABC
- Streaming options: ESPN+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN, Paramount+, Peacock
This game features a fascinating contrast in offensive styles. Vanderbilt, behind quarterback Diego Pavia, has thrived with an option-heavy attack that blends designed quarterback runs with vertical passing. Pavia has thrown for 1,409 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 352 rushing yards, making him one of the most versatile playmakers in the SEC. Tight end Elijah Stowers has emerged as his top target, leading the team with 323 receiving yards. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, meanwhile, has been efficient if less explosive, passing for 1,413 yards with nine touchdowns but also five interceptions. His ability to protect the football will be critical against a Vanderbilt defense that has shown opportunism in coverage.
The Tigers lean on running back Caden Durham to balance their offense, though the ground game has been inconsistent. Vanderbilt’s defense, led by edge rusher Marcus Capers with 4.5 sacks, will look to exploit LSU’s offensive line, which has struggled in pass protection at times. On the other side, LSU’s defense is anchored by linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., whose speed and versatility will be tested by Pavia’s mobility. Injuries could play a role, as LSU linebacker Whit Weeks is questionable, while Vanderbilt enters relatively healthy.
Coaching tendencies may decide the outcome. Brian Kelly’s LSU squad has leaned on conservative first-half scripts before adjusting late, while Clark Lea’s Commodores have been aggressive early, often pushing tempo to seize momentum. The home-field advantage in Nashville, combined with Vanderbilt’s balanced offense, gives the Commodores a real chance to snap their long drought against LSU. However, LSU’s defensive discipline and experience in high-pressure games could tilt the balance if Nussmeier avoids turnovers. Expect a tight contest where Vanderbilt’s ability to finish drives in the red zone will determine whether they can pull off a statement win.