Head coach Clark Lea addressed the media for his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 16, after Vanderbilt cruised to a 31-7 victory over then-No. 11 South Carolina this past weekend. Now, the Commodores will return home for the first time in two weeks to face Georgia State. 

Vanderbilt suffered a brutal loss to Georgia State in 2024, making this a highly anticipated matchup in 2025. The Commodores came into last season’s game undefeated but were upset by an athletic and scrappy Georgia State team. Those scars are still present, especially with the returning players on Lea’s roster. 

“Obviously, it’s been a big week,” Lea said. “This is a game that stung us last year, so [we’ve had] lot of learning from that. This is a dangerous team we’re playing against. They’re athletic and very capable on both sides of the ball.”  

While last year’s game presented numerous challenges for the Commodores, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst was certainly the Panthers’ biggest threat, as he caught a game-winning touchdown pass with 15 seconds left. Hurst also caught 7 passes for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. While these plays stung in the moment for Vanderbilt, Lea knows that he must have his team ready to defend Hurst once again this year. 

“[Georgia State are] going to feature maybe the best receiver [we’ve] faced to this point,” Lea said. “He’s a really good player. We learned that last year, so he’ll present challenges to us.” 

Lea made it clear how much this loss last year impacted his team. He reflected on the importance of a good practice week before Saturday’s game, stressing the importance of overlooking nobody. 

“A year ago, I felt like there was just a lot left to be desired with respect to how we focused in the week, how we showed up and how we played at the start of the game. We paid for it,” Lea said. 

Lea believes this year is different, though. With several great wins already on Vanderbilt’s resume and multiple strong practices this week, there’s a humble confidence heading into this weekend’s game.  

“Today, yesterday [and] Sunday were certainly better days than we had a year ago this week.” 

Part of the reason there is a different feel this year is incoming transfer standouts, like FAU transfer safety CJ Heard. The sophomore defensive back made his presence felt against South Carolina with 12 solo tackles.  

“[Heard’s] a good player. He’s instinctive. He has a really good point of attack fundamentals, and he’s a good tackler. I’ve been so pleased with how he’s played, and you can see that in practice and [in] training. You can see he’s a smart player. He’s made a big difference, and I’m really pleased that he’s with us.” 

Another standout this season has been junior WR/DB Martel Hight. Playing an almost even snap count on each side of the ball, Hight has caught the eye of fans across the nation for his versatility and productivity.  

“I thought [Hight] performed well defensively too. I think we’re pulling back the limitations we put on early [because] he’s responding really well,” Lea said. “There are times where he’ll go defense to punt return to offense and won’t skip a beat. It was great to see him get involved, and he can be a real weapon for us offensively.” 

Another important factor for Vanderbilt this year has been its strong offensive line play. While still accounting for a few penalties a game, Lea acknowledges their developing chemistry. 

“I think [the offensive line] handled themselves well in a really tough environment. I love the mentality. I love the attitude. I love the way they’re executing,” Lea said. “I think [Jordan White] has been such a bright spot on our team to this point in the year, and he makes it all go for that group in terms of his leadership as a center.” 

The Commodores have been playing very well as of late, and that has earned them a top-20 ranking in the AP Poll this week. Lea, however, isn’t worried about the number next to his team’s name. The mission still remains the same.   

“I never take for granted the progress and positive energy that’s around us. I don’t bathe in it, though. I don’t sit there and go swimming [in it].” 

Putting aside the national praise, Lea and his Commodores are focused wholeheartedly on their clash versus Georgia State this Saturday. They’ll certainly look to avenge their 2024 loss and improve to 4-0 on the season. 

“We’ve talked about [this game] since January, so this is a really big one for us,” Lea said. “We want to play really well.” 

Vanderbilt takes on Georgia State at home on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CDT.