Football: Three matchups to watch: Vanderbilt vs. Delaware – The Vanderbilt Hustler

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Vanderbilt will stay in Nashville to face Delaware in a week 2 matchup after a 28-9 victory over Austin Peay. Although the Commodores picked up the win, they are still looking to play better after a disappointing showing.
This will be the first time Vanderbilt has played the Blue Hens, but Vanderbilt is 21-4 all-time against Conference USA squads. Delaware played well during its first game this year, beating Merrimack 42-7 in its home opener. They are hoping to follow up with a another strong season after finishing 7-6 last year. However, the Commodores have an 85.8% chance to win and are favored by a (-20.5) spread. Vanderbilt hopes to play better this week and knock off a Delaware team coming off a strong showing in week one.  
Let’s dive into three key matchups to watch this weekend. 
The Commodores allowed only 116 passing yards to Austin Peay last week and were lights out defensively after the first half, holding the Governors to only 26 in the second half after giving up 90 in the first two quarters.  
Meanwhile, Delaware fired the ball around against Merrimack, throwing for a combined 435 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Blue Hens are led by Senior quarterback Nick Minicucci, who threw for over 3,600 yards last season — finishing seventh in team passing yards per game in FBS. Thus, this pass-heavy approach could be a major threat against the Commodores. 
However, despite Delaware having a strong offensive line, the Blue Hens’ passing attack will be likely hindered by the Commodores’ defensive line. Transfer Brian Allen Jr. had a strong performance in Week 1, and fellow lineman Issa Outtara was dominant against the Governors. With Vanderbilt’s secondary eyeing to play better, its pass rush will be a key weapon to stop Minicucci and the Blue Hens.  
Gavin Moul vs. Vanderbilt’s run game 
Delaware’s defense is led by all-Conference USA linebacker Gavin Moul, who racked up 111 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble returned for a touchdown during his junior campaign. Moul, the 6’0 senior captain from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is known for his ability to fly around the field and clean up almost any play. This presents an intriguing challenge for Commodore running back Sedrick Alexander, who opened his season with a strong showing against Austin Peay, averaging six yards per carry and scoring a touchdown. With the Commodores’ strong offensive line set to win the battle in the trenches, it will be up to Moul and Delaware’s linebacker room to prevent Alexander from breaking off any long runs, like he did many times last season. 
With Vanderbilt set to face many superstar linebackers like Auburn’s Xavier Atkins and Tennessee’s Arion Carter during SEC play, this Saturday against Delaware may serve as an indicator for how successful Alexander and the rushing attack will be this year. Moul’s presence in the middle of the defense will be something to keep an eye out for as the Commodores look to improve to 2-0.  
After a disappointing offensive performance against Austin Peay, the Commodores look to get back on track this week against Delaware. Vanderbilt’s quarterback situation remains the ultimate talking point, with Clark Lea opting to start Blaze Berlowitz over Jared Curtis for Week 2. Although both Berlowitz and 5-star freshman Jared Curtis played multiple drives during the season opener, neither made an overly convincing case to be the team’s full-time starter, with the run game spearheading the offense.  
Despite this uncertainty, there seems to be hope for Vanderbilt fans entering their game against Delaware. The Fightin’ Blue Hens ranked in the bottom 25 of FBS in both scoring and passing defense in 2025, presenting a golden opportunity for both Vanderbilt quarterbacks to find a rhythm before the schedule ramps up. Delaware’s pass rush struggled mightily during their inaugural FBS season last year, which will ideally give both Berlowitz and Curtis the time in the pocket to showcase their abilities. Additionally, this matchup allows highly touted transfer receivers Ja’Cory Thomas and Cole Adams to find their role in the offense. The Commodores will have to put up a dominant performance this weekend if they want to convince the fanbase that last year wasn’t just a fluke and that they can contend in the SEC this season. 
Vanderbilt will face Delaware at 3:15 p.m. CDT this Saturday, Sept. 12, at FirstBank Stadium. 
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