Delaware vs Vanderbilt Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Delaware Blue Hens visit the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 4:15 PM ET and coverage on SEC Network. Both teams enter at 1-0. Delaware opened with a 42-7 victory over Merrimack, while Vanderbilt defeated Austin Peay 28-9. Vanderbilt is a 20.5-point favorite at -115 after opening -21.5, with Delaware +20.5 at -105. The total has dropped from 55.5 to 53.5. Get ready for Saturday's matchup with our free NCAAF picks.
Delaware Blue Hens Preview
Delaware produced 547 total yards in its opening win, getting 435 through the air and 112 on the ground. Nick Minicucci completed 20 of 36 passes for 330 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Viron Ellison Jr. added a 75-yard touchdown pass and scored once on the ground. Nakeem Powell led the Blue Hens with 35 rushing yards, while Delaware finished with three rushing touchdowns despite averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.
Kaderris Roberts led the receiving group with 80 yards on two catches, while Sean Wilson caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Delaware's defense held Merrimack to seven points and recorded three sacks and an interception. Noah Jefferson led the Blue Hens with nine tackles, while Gavin Moul and Kevin Moore each had six. Brandon Gorham recorded a sack, and George Mullins supplied the interception. Delaware's 35-point opening victory gives the Blue Hens momentum entering a much tougher road matchup.
Injuries: WR T. Salazer is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
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Vanderbilt Commodores Preview
Vanderbilt produced 396 total yards in its 28-9 victory over Austin Peay, with 209 passing and 187 rushing. Blaze Berlowitz completed 11 of 16 passes for 149 yards without a turnover, while Jared Curtis completed seven of nine attempts for 60 yards. Sedrick Alexander led the rushing attack with 60 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Berlowitz added 45 yards and a score, helping Vanderbilt average 4.9 yards per rushing attempt.
Junior Sherrill was the leading receiver with four catches for 70 yards, while Kayleb Barnett added 31 yards and Jayvontay Conner finished with 30. Vanderbilt's defense allowed only nine points and generated five sacks. Issa Ouattara led the pass rush with two sacks, while Nick Rinaldi had six tackles and half a sack. CJ Heard also recorded six tackles. The Commodores did not force an interception, but their ability to pressure the quarterback creates an important matchup against Delaware's pass-heavy attack.
Injuries: TE C. Spence is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Delaware vs Vanderbilt Prediction
Both teams controlled their openers, but Vanderbilt has the stronger defensive matchup at home. Delaware's passing game produced 435 yards against Merrimack, yet Minicucci completed only 55.6% of his attempts and now faces a defense that generated five sacks. Vanderbilt can also attack with a balanced offense after gaining nearly 400 yards against Austin Peay. Delaware has enough passing production to avoid a complete runaway, but Vanderbilt's rushing attack and defensive pressure will create separation. The Commodores win comfortably, with Delaware staying inside the 20.5-point spread. Final Score Prediction: Vanderbilt Commodores win, 33-17.
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Best Picks
- Delaware +20.5 (-105)
- Under 53.5 (-105)
