Hold onto your hats, college football fans, because the Vanderbilt Commodores just pulled off a stunning upset that no one saw coming! On October 18, 2025, the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores snapped a decade-long losing streak against the 10th-ranked LSU Tigers, winning 31-24 in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: this victory marked Vanderbilt's first win over LSU since 1990, and it happened in just the fourth meeting between these two teams since 1947 where both were ranked in the AP poll. Talk about history in the making!
Diego Pavia was the star of the show, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with 160 passing yards, one touchdown, 86 rushing yards, and two more scores on the ground. His performance was a masterclass in versatility, leaving LSU's defense scrambling to keep up. Meanwhile, the Tigers had their moments, with Garrett Nussmeier throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 62-yard pass to Zavion Thomas. Caden Durham also flashed his speed with a 51-yard run that had fans holding their breath—until Vanderbilt's defense forced LSU to settle for yet another field goal. And this is the part most people miss: LSU's Damian Ramos attempted four field goals, making three (48, 42, and 23 yards) but missing a crucial 52-yarder that could have shifted momentum.
'We had opportunities, we didn’t cash in on them,' LSU coach Brian Kelly admitted, highlighting the Tigers' inability to convert key chances into touchdowns. It didn’t help that they were up against a Vanderbilt offense that ranks seventh nationally, averaging a whopping 43.2 points per game. The Commodores didn’t just score—they scored the most points LSU has allowed all season, despite the Tigers’ defense being ranked fifth in the country, giving up only 11.8 points per game on average.
Vanderbilt’s dominance was so complete that they only punted twice—both times in the fourth quarter. LSU’s last real chance came with 8:55 left, trailing 31-24, but Zaylin Wood sacked Nussmeier on the first play, and the Tigers were forced to punt three plays later. From there, the game was all but over.
Here’s where it gets controversial: LSU’s struggles against Vanderbilt’s 16th-ranked run defense were glaring, and their reliance on field goals instead of touchdowns raises questions about their red-zone efficiency. Is this a one-off performance, or a deeper issue for the Tigers? Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s victory isn’t just a win—it’s a statement. The Commodores are now assured of extending their program-record streak in the AP Top 25 to six weeks and will climb the rankings after their second win over a ranked opponent this season. Bold prediction: Could Vanderbilt be a dark horse contender this year?
The atmosphere in Nashville was electric, with LSU fans flooding the stands in purple, but Vanderbilt turned up the volume—literally—blasting music to drown out the opposition. By the final minutes, Tigers fans were heading for the exits, while Vanderbilt celebrated by playing ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’ and safeguarding their goalposts like prized trophies.
Looking ahead, LSU hosts No. 4 Texas A&M on October 25, while Vanderbilt welcomes No. 16 Missouri the same day. Both teams have their work cut out for them, but this weekend’s results have set the stage for even more drama.
What do you think? Is Vanderbilt’s win a fluke, or are they here to stay? And can LSU bounce back against Texas A&M? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
