Kansas State football vs Vanderbilt: Preview, Prediction, Live Stream
No. 15 Kansas State football pays Vanderbilt a visit, in what could be one of the better games of week three. Here’s what to look for and how to watch it.
So far so good for Derek Mason and his Vanderbilt Commodores to start the season. With wins over Middle Tennessee State and Alabama A&M, the Dores have looked good both on offense and defense. In particular, quarterback Kyle Shurmur has been a bright spot and his progression has been noticed. He’s only thrown for 498 yards in two games, but he has seven touchdowns so far. And most importantly, no interceptions.
Offense hasn’t been the best at Vanderbilt since Derek Mason arrived, but this season looks different so far. Kansas State will present a test to that offense, as the Wildcats will be the best team that Vandy has faced so far. With that in mind, if the offense can do what they’ve done in the firs two games, then Vanderbilt might be able to spring the upset.
Kansas State rolls into Nashville with a top 15 ranking and a need to show that they belong as a legitimate contender in the Big XII. KSU’s offense has looked spectacular in two games, albeit against less than stellar opponents. Quarterback Jesse Ertz has been solid, throwing for 648 yards in two games and nine touchdowns to go with that. Ertz has weapons to get the ball too in wide receiver Isaiah Harris and running back Alex Barnes.
The Kansas State offense will get a solid test going up against the staunch Vanderbilt defense, that has only surrendered six points in two games. Vanderbilt’s defense has only given up 159 yards per game this season, the Wildcats will have to be sharp if they’re want to get out of Nashville with a win.
Here is how you can watch this Big 12 SEC matchup:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017
Time: 7:30pm ET
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Venue: Vanderbilt Stadium
TV: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to victory
Vanderbilt has to remain being successful on offense to win this game. I don’t doubt that the defense will be tough for Kansas State to score on. But in order to win, they cannot rely on their defense. That has happened to Vanderbilt too many times in recent years and while it has worked sometimes, it also hasn’t. With that said, I do think that Kyle Shurmur, Ralph Webb and the rest of the offense will be up to the challenge. Kansas State has been good defensively so far, but Vanderbilt is a step up from competition they have played. The Commodore defense will be counted on mind you, and I think they’ll handle the pressure just fine.
Kansas State, much like Vanderbilt needs to establish an offensive rhythm early. They cannot let the Vanderbilt defense get to them early. Jesse Ertz needs to get the offense some points early. If they get behind the eight ball then it could spell trouble against such a tough defense. Ertz will need his fellow players to step up as well. When opportunities are there they have to be taken advantage of, whether on the ground or in the air. Kansas State’s ground game is a strength, they’ll rely on that but Vanderbilt is only allowing 59 yards on the ground per game this season. If they aren’t able to produce on the ground then the pressure falls on Ertz to deliver more than he has had to in the first two games.
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Prediction
Kansas State appears to be the superior team, especially where the offense is concerned but going into Nashville and trying to get points on the Commodore defense isn’t going to be easy. If this game does indeed become a defensive battle then Vanderbilt has the edge. Shurmur and the offense have to show that they can produce against a power five team. In this case, I think the Commodores will get it done on both sides of the ball.