Vanderbilt senior says Commodores will open eyes after upsetting South Carolina
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Here we are again, with Vanderbilt approaching a road game as the underdog, looking to make a statement.
Despite winning as a 1.5-point underdog in Blacksburg, Virginia, a week ago, the Commodores (2-0) are still looking for national respect. They opened as an 8.5-point underdog in Saturday’s game at South Carolina, and that line is still hovering in the 4-to-5-point range.
“Nobody really talks about the Commodores, and I think after we go in there and show these guys what’s what, I think people are going to open their eyes up a little bit for sure,” senior offensive tackle Bryce Henderson said this week during a media availability. “
Henderson oozed confidence when he spoke to reporters, saying that Virginia Tech’s defensive line helped prepare the Commodores for what South Carolina will try to do. Asked about star South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart, Henderson said Stewart is “whatever” and that “it’s not about him,” rather “it’s about us.”
Stewart has 2 sacks and 7 quarterback pressures already this season. He had 6.5 sacks last year while playing opposite Kyle Kennard, the SEC’s sacks leader. Vanderbilt has only allowed 1 sack and just 7 total quarterback pressures through its first 2 games.
“Obviously, it would mean a lot (to win). We’re not focused on that,” Henderson said. All we know is we’re gonna play our football, and we know that we can beat them and we’re gonna go in there and do it.”
Vandy is 2-0 against the spread this season. The Commodores went 9-4 against the spread last season. In their last 12 games as an underdog under coach Clark Lea, they are 10-2 ATS with 6 outright victories.
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Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
