NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — After an upset win over a higher-ranked opponent in Week 1, the Vanderbilt University Commodores could match their winning record from last year with a home victory on Saturday.

The Commodores will face Alcorn State (0-1) at Vanderbilt (1-0) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

What is it about?

The Commodores are getting a little respite after a surprise win over Virginia Tech in the season opener under coach Clark Lea earned them some Top 25 votes.

They have a 2-0 record against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Program, both times against Alabama A&M. Alcorn State had a 7-4 record last season.

The Braves are fresh off their opening loss at UAB.

Important duel

Vanderbilt’s defense against Alcorn State’s offense. The Braves struggled in their opening loss, using three different quarterbacks and totaling just 60 yards and one interception. Vanderbilt managed four sacks against Virginia Tech and also had an interception with Lea handling the defense this season.

Players in focus

Alcorn State: QB Tyler Macon. The Braves also used Roderick Hartsfield Jr. and Xzavier Vaughn as quarterbacks. Macon rushed 12 times for a team-leading 37 yards, but also had an interception.

Vanderbilt: QB Diego Pavia. The New Mexico State transfer debuted in spectacular fashion and was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week. He threw two touchdowns and ran for the game-winning score in overtime to beat Virginia Tech. He was 12 of 16 for 190 yards and also ran for 104 yards. He became the first Vanderbilt quarterback to run and throw for at least 100 yards in a game since Mike Wright beat Kentucky on Nov. 12, 2022. He is the first Vanderbilt player to run for 100 yards in a game since Ray Davis ran for 122 yards in a win over Florida on Nov. 19, 2022.

Facts and figures

• Vanderbilt won at least two games in two of Lea’s first three seasons.
• For the first time since 2017, the Commodores scored points on their first three possessions at the start of a game.
• The overtime win was Vanderbilt’s first under Lea.
• Pavia is one of 51 new players on Vanderbilt’s roster this season. Other transfers who made an impression in the opener include Eli Stowers, who made a 41-yard catch in his debut. Khordae Sydnor had a sack.
• Brock Taylor made a 53-yard field goal for Vanderbilt, the fifth-longest field goal in program history and the longest since 2021.
• Quincy Skinner Jr. was Vanderbilt’s top receiver with 72 yards on four catches.