LORMAN, Miss. -- Alcorn State University Braves football will face a challenging matchup as they go head-to-head with the Vanderbilt University Commodores on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn. As Alcorn prepares to take on their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponent, they must address key areas in their game that could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this contest.
    ASU is coming off a tough loss to University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), where the Braves struggled to generate significant offensive momentum. The Braves managed only 177 total yards of offense, including 117 yards on the ground and 60 yards through the air. Their offensive line struggled to create space, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry on 41 rushing attempts. In the passing game, Alcorn quarterbacks (
Tyler Macon,
Xzavier Vaughn and
Roderick Hartsfield, Jr.) combined for a 9-of-21 performance with one interception, leading to an average of 2.9 yards per attempt.
    Defensively, Alcorn's performance was highlighted by their ability to force turnovers, recording one interception against UAB. However, they allowed UAB to rack up 517 yards of total offense, including 302 yards on the ground. Linebacker
Geoffrey McKelton was a bright spot for Alcorn, leading the team with nine total tackles, including one tackle for loss. His ability to read and react will be crucial in slowing down Vanderbilt's offensive attack. Braves standout
Stemarion Edwards contributed with seven tackles and one tackle for loss. He will need to be a force in the middle, especially against Vanderbilt's running game.
    Vanderbilt enters the match-up after a thrilling overtime victory against Virginia Tech, where they showcased resilience and adaptability. The Commodores have a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by their ability to run the ball effectively. Quarterback Diego Pavia has proven to be a dual threat, contributing significantly in both the passing and rushing departments.
Vanderbilt's defense, led by standout players like Langston Patterson and C.J. Taylor, has been solid, especially in key moments. The Commodores' ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers will be something Alcorn needs to be wary of.
    For Alcorn to stay competitive, they must establish a consistent ground game. This will not only help control the clock but also open up opportunities in the passing game. Turnovers could be devastating against a well-coached Vanderbilt team. Alcorn must protect the football and avoid giving Vanderbilt short fields. Converting on third down was a challenge for the Braves against UAB, and improving in this area will be crucial for maintaining drives and keeping Vanderbilt's offense off the field. The Commodore's quarterback is a dual threat that can hurt defenses in multiple ways. Keeping him in check, especially on designed runs and scrambles, will be vital for Alcorn's defense.
    Alcorn State faces an uphill battle against a Vanderbilt team that is brimming with confidence after a strong start to their season. However, if the Braves can clean up their execution on both sides of the ball, particularly in the running game and turnover department, they could make this a competitive contest.
    Braves fans can watch the action on ESPN-U and listen to WPRL 97.1 FM for live coverage.
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