NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Vanderbilt squad will look to continue its best start in years when it hosts LSU in a key SEC matchup on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium.

The Commodores (5-1) have been one of the season’s early surprises, with their only blemish a 30-14 road loss to Alabama on Oct. 4. Their potent offense, led by quarterback Diego Pavia, has averaged over 43 points per game in its five victories.

They face a stiff test in the LSU Tigers (4-1), who are coming off a 20-10 win over South Carolina. LSU’s defense has been formidable, holding opponents to an average of 13.2 points in its four wins. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leads an offense that has found its footing after a 24-19 loss at Ole Miss on Sept. 27.

LSU has been installed as a 2.5-point favorite. The over/under is 48.5 points. Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of LSU 29, Vanderbilt 20.

The game will be a measuring stick for both teams as they enter the heart of their conference schedules. Vanderbilt seeks a statement win to solidify its resurgence, while LSU aims to maintain its position in the SEC West race.