Live Updates: LSU Football vs. Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 8 SEC Matchup

No. 10 LSU (5-1, 2-1 SEC) will square off against the Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 8 with all eyes set to be on the Top-20 SEC showdown at FirstBank Stadium.

After getting back in the win column against South Carolina, Brian Kelly and Co. will look to carry the program's momentum against a fiery Commodores squad.

"One of the things we've done really well is put pressure on the quarterback but I'll be honest with you, it's going to be our ability to control first and second down or third down becomes quick down and you're not getting home. The ball's coming out so fast you can't get there," Kelly said Thursday.

"You've gotta get into predictable third down situations and that then lends itself to us having more success. The real challenge is first down and second down and making sure when they get to third down, it's more than third-and-short."

Here's what Brian Kelly said of the matchup, pregame updates and a live thread from Saturday at FirstBank Stadium.

What Brian Kelly Said: Week 8 Edition

“We know what we’re getting with Clark Lea, obviously he coached with me,” Kelly said this week. “Outstanding coach, great communicator, process-driven, and you can see that in how their team plays. It’ll be a great challenge going on the road for an 11 a.m. start. We’ll get them up early and get them rolling.

“They’re No. 2 in the SEC in points scored, among the top in the country in rushing. It starts with Pavia at quarterback, an outstanding dual-threat,” Kelly said. “I’m impressed with Alexander’s growth as a runner, averaging six yards per carry. Eli Stowers is a top tight end in the country. The foundation of their team is built on a strong process and belief in what they do. So it’ll be a great challenge for our football team.”

Pregame Updates:

- LSU linebacker Whit Weeks has officially been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The expectation is that Davhon Keys takes significant snaps in his place.

- LSU defensive tackle Bernard Gooden has been ruled out for Saturday's Week 8 showdown. Dominick McKinley will remain as a starter with Jacobian Guillory, Walter Mathis and Ahmad Breaux set to take more reps.

- LSU will roll with the same defensive backfield of Mansoor Delane, PJ Woodland, AJ Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley as the starters against Vanderbilt.

Live Updates:

[Make sure to refresh your browser for the latest information. Scroll down for the most recent updates each inning.]

First Quarter:

- The Vanderbilt Commodores have won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half. LSU will receive the kickoff to start things off at FirstBank Stadium.

- LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier keeps the drive alive on a critical third down conversion after connecting with Kyle Parker along the left sideline. Nussmeier is now 5-for-5 on the opening drive with 35 passing yards.

- The Bayou Bengals are unable to convert on a 3rd-and-13 from inside Vanderbilt territory - LSU boots a 48-yard field goal from Damian Ramos that is up and GOOD to get the Tigers on the board first. 12-play, 44-yard scoring drive.

Score Update: LSU 3, Vanderbilt 0

- Diego Pavia and the Vanderbilt offense are in the midst of a methodical 7-play, 41-yard drive with Pavia up to 38 passing yards on 3-of-3 through the air. Commodores are lined up on the LSU 21-yard line with 4:36 remaining in the frame.

- Vanderbilt marches down the field on the first possession with Diego Pavia landing in the end-zone on a quarterback sneak. 9-play, 57-yard touchdown drive with Pavia going 3-for-3 through the air with 38 yards passing and 21 rushing yards. Eli Stowers with 19 yards on 2 receptions.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 7, LSU 3

- LSU offensive lineman Tyree Adams is down with an apparent right leg injury after the Tigers convert on a 3rd-and-10 attempt. 16-yard gain to keep the drive alive after connecting with Barion Brown. DJ Chester comes in at left tackle after Adams heads to the injury tent.

End of 1Q: Vanderbilt 7, LSU 3

Second Quarter:

- LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Co. respond with a touchdown of their own on an 8-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Nussmeier connects with Trey'Dez Green for a 24-yard touchdown to take the lead back on the first play of the second frame.

Score Update: LSU 10, Vanderbilt 7

- Diego Pavia and the Commodores are giving the LSU defense fits with misdirection with Vanderbilt driving inside the LSU 10-yard line. Pavia and Co. have logged 38 rushing yards on eight carries with another 34 yards through the air. LSU's defense has found no answer.

- Vanderbilt converts on 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line with Sedrick Alexander punching in the score to cap off a methodical 8:58 scoring drive on 14 plays. Commodores re-take the lead in Nashville. 5:52 remaining in the half.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 14, LSU 10

- Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense navigate a 6-play, 34-yard drive into Vanderbilt territory, but the Commodores get a critical third down stop to cut the drive short. LSU kicker Damian Ramos trots onto the field to attempt a 52-yard field goal. Kick is NO GOOD. Vanderbilt ball on their own 35-yard line.

- After a 4-play, 11-yard drive, the Commodores elect to go for it on 4th-and-1 with LSU linebacker West Weeks coming from behind to sack Diego Pavia to force a turnover on downs. LSU takes over inside Vanderbilt territory.

- LSU's offense goes three-and-out on the following drive after receiving a gift from Vanderbilt after going for it on fourth down. Tigers roll out kicker Damian Ramos to kick a 42-yard field goal and it is GOOD. 45 seconds remaining in the half.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 14, LSU 13

- Diego Pavia and the Commodores orchestrate a 7-play, 50-yard scoring drive in the blink of an eye after getting into field goal range in 37 seconds. Vanderbilt knocks in a 46-yard field goal attempt to send this one into halftime.

HALFTIME: Vanderbilt 17, LSU 13

Third Quarter:

- The Vanderbilt Commodores will receive the second half kickoff after deferring in the first quarter.

- On the opening drive of the second half, Diego Pavia and the Commodores march down the field at ease to get back in the end-zone and take a two-score lead. Pavia goes 2-for-3 through the air with Vanderbilt totaling 66 yards on the ground. Pavia connnects with Cole Spence to cap off a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 24, LSU 13

- LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier evades pressure, rolls out the pocket and connects with Zavion Thomas for a short gain, but the speedy wideout turns it up field for a 62-yard touchdown and the Bayou Bengals are back in business. Tigers convert on the two-point conversion. 5-play, 92-yard scoring drive.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 24, LSU 21

- Once again, Diego Pavia's legs continue giving the LSU defense fits. He's up to 69 rushing yards on 11 carries [6.3 yards per carry] while orchestrating another touchdown drive. Vanderbilt marches down the field for a 10-play 75-yard scoring drive with 50 yards coming on the ground. Pavia punches in the touchdown.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 31, LSU 21

End of 3Q: Vanderbilt 31, LSU 21

Fourth Quarter:

- With their backs against the wall on 3rd-and-6, LSU running back Caden Durham breaks open a 51-yard run to put the Tigers inside the Vanderbilt five-yard line to keep the Bayou Bengals alive in Nashville.

- LSU settles for a field goal after being set up on 1st-and-goal from the two-yard line. 9-play, 69-yard scoring drive. 11:39 remaining.

Score Update: Vanderbilt 31, LSU 24

- The LSU defense gets a much-needed stop to force Vanderbilt to punt the ball away for the first time on the day. A quick three-and-out gives LSU the ball with 8:55 remaining. Tigers ball on their own 30-yard line.

- After trading a pair of punts, Vanderbilt will get the ball back with 3:36 remaining in the game looking to chew the clock out with LSU's backs against the wall. Commodores open the drive with a 43-yard run to get inside the 15-yard line.

FINAL: Vanderbilt 31, LSU 24

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