Vanderbilt cruised to a 45-3 victory over FCS opponent Charleston Southern in Week 1. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the way with 275 passing yards and 3 touchdowns while the Commodores’ defense held the Buccaneers to just 135 yards. Even if the competition wasn’t a considerable challenge, Vanderbilt started off the season strong and explored its depth pieces through a tune-up match on home turf. 

Now, in Week 2, Vanderbilt will face its first hurdle in a daunting road schedule. The Commodores head up north to take on Virginia Tech, a familiar opponent from last season. In the previous edition of this matchup, Vanderbilt escaped with a 34-27 victory in overtime after blowing a 17-0 first-half lead.  

Virginia Tech opened its season against then-No. 13 ranked South Carolina in Atlanta, Georgia. While the Hokies hung around for most of the game, it slipped out of their hands in the fourth quarter. A Vicari Swain 80-yard punt return and a 64-yard pass to Nyck Harbor from LaNorris Sellers helped the Gamecocks pull away.  

A lot is at stake for both sides coming into Saturday’s game. Vanderbilt is seeking to validate the growing hype surrounding the program. Virginia Tech is trying to show that head coach Brent Pry can deliver the season the fans have been dying for. With that being said, let’s take a look at three key matchups for this weekend.  

Diego Pavia’s arm vs. Virginia Tech’s secondary 

Virginia Tech got its first taste of a Tim Beck offense last season. Pavia completed just 12 passes all game and instead helped propel the downhill running game. Pavia and Sedrick Alexander combined for 173 yards on the ground, with the former delivering a go-ahead rushing touchdown in overtime. After finishing 10th in the ACC in rushing defense last season, the Hokies’ defense had a strong showing in Week 1. Virginia Tech showed up against a dangerous rushing team in South Carolina, where the defense — mainly its front four — held relatively strong. Yet, Sellers caught the Hokies occasionally through the air, crossing the 200-yard mark on only 12 completions. 

It appeared that Vanderbilt was less hesitant to call more shots down the field against Charleston Southern. Pavia connected with his receivers for efficient gains, completing 80% of his passes on 25 attempts. As the Hokies will expect the run heavily, a path to overcoming them may lie on the right arm of Pavia — especially deep down the field. 

Vanderbilt pass rush vs. Kyron Drones  

Kyron Drones struggled mightily against South Carolina, finishing the day 15-for-35 with 221 yards and 2 interceptions. He was also held to 26 yards on 12 rushing attempts and was sacked twice. Even under a new play caller in Phillip Montgomery, Drones appeared rattled in the face of pressure and struggled to make real plays with his arm. Drones graded at a 31.9 under pressure versus 90.3 when his pocket was clean, according to PFF (via Kolby Crawford 247).  

While Drones did well against Vanderbilt last year as a passer, the Commodores’ defensive depth has improved greatly. Defensive coordinator Steve Gregory has to get creative and turn up the pressure to get Drones off his game. Even if Drones makes some throws, Vanderbilt must come at him in waves and ensure that every moment he spends in the pocket is stressful.   

Vanderbilt has to let their uber-athletic secondary play and trust in the rush to get home. For the Commodores to leave Virginia Tech with a victory, keeping Drones uncomfortable is essential.  

The Commodores vs. the moment 

A night game in Blacksburg at Lane Stadium isn’t easy for any road team. The echoes of “Enter Sandman” alongside the never-ending rumblings of the Hokie faithful create an atmosphere that can rattle anyone. Especially with the fresh wound from a loss to South Carolina and the hopes of redeeming a defeat to the Commodores last year, both Virginia Tech and its fans will be fired up. 

Even if it’s only Week 2, it’s fair to say that this game will show how lofty the expectations that have been put on Vanderbilt are. The Hokies have improved since last season, and it showed through the toughly fought battle they had with a top-15 team in the nation. With Vanderbilt coming into Saturday night as small underdogs, most people believe that this matchup can go either way.  

If Vanderbilt wants to make a statement, this weekend’s matchup in Blacksburg is a prime opportunity. A decisive victory in a hostile environment goes a long way in boosting morale and confidence, and the Commodores need to see past the noise and theatrics to focus on strict execution. 

Vanderbilt will face Virginia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CDT at Lane Stadium.