Last year the Vanderbilt Commodores won five games for the first time since 2018. It was a strong College Football Betting performance by favorite son head coach Clark Lea. Also, the Commodores bring back their quarterback from last year. Their star recruit from the 2022 cycle was AJ Swann. Swann returns for his second season at Vanderbilt. The Commodores have an improved offensive line. And they have a defense that should expect to improve as well. The defense added four quality transfers in the offseason, including an edge rusher, linebacker, and corner.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 26, 2023, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN |
| TV Coverage: | SEC Network |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | +17 -110 | 55½ -110 | +630 |  |
| Commodores | -17 -110 | 55½ -110 | -880 | |
| ||||
Hawaii at Vanderbilt SBG Odds Overview
Last season, Hawaii went 3-10, including 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference. Now, they hope to produce significantly better results than they did in the 2022 campaign. They started their season in a 63-10 online wagering loss to Vanderbilt. Hawaii did not see any of its players go in the NFL Draft. However, they saw a few signs with teams as undrafted free agents. Hawaii is a tough sell to gamblers. Especially on the road against an SEC team that obliterated them in 2022.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Team Overview
Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang’s debut season at his alma mater was a struggle. But the Rainbow Warriors showed some improvement down the stretch. Most importantly, they managed to pick off both Nevada and UNLV in Mountain West play.
Correlate that Chang plans to bring back the run-and-shoot offense. But for this attack to take off, he needs quarterback Brayden Schager to improve. He took a step forward after throwing for 2,348 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Also, Hawaii loses its best offensive playmaker (running back Dedrick Parson). And they must replace a couple of starters in the trenches. A defense that ranked last in the Mountain West in points allowed (34.7 a contest) will miss nose tackle Blessman Ta’ala and linebacker Penei Pavihi.
Vanderbilt Commodores Team Overview
Last year, the Commodores missed a bowl in coach Clark Lea’s second year at the helm. Getting to six wins and the postseason will hinge on just how far quarterback A.J. Swann can develop. Following what was a promising first year. Also, Vandy needs to continue to improve up front in the trenches. Standout running back Ray Davis transferred to Kentucky. But the Commodores are set at receiver with the return of Jayden McGowan and Will Sheppard.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s defense has ranked last in the SEC in points allowed in the last two seasons. And they surrendered nearly 40 points a contest (39.8) in conference action last fall. Seven starters are back for 2023. But Anfernee Orji’s departure to the NFL is a big loss.
Hawaii at Vanderbilt SBG Free Picks
First for keys to Vanderbilt football is the returning production. This team returns 73% of their offensive production. That metric ranks them 38th in the nation. Overall, they return 65% of their production from last year. That is good for 58th in the nation. They bring back their quarterback, many offensive linemen, and their top two wide receivers. In this situation, they are the vastly superior College Football Betting choice.
Hawaii at Vanderbilt SBG Best Bet: Vanderbilt Commodores.