In the matchup with Pavia and Vanderbilt’s offense, the absence of junior linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive tackle Bernard Gooden was sorely felt as LSU (5-2, 2-2 SEC) appeared to lack some speed and instinct against the option style attack from the Commodores (6-1 2-1).

The Vanderbilt Commodores and LSU Tigers will be broadcast on ABC and locally in Nashville on WKRN (Channel 2) in Week 8 of the 2025 college football season. Joe Tessitore will do the play-by-play duties with Jesse Palmer as the color analyst and Katie George being the sideline reporter.

Linebacker Whit Weeks has been ruled out, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who initially reported Friday that the standout defender was listed as doubtful. Thamel noted that Weeks was going to try and warm up and attempt to play, but has now been ruled out due to an ankle injury, specifically a bone bruise.

Trump said Louisiana is "a special state," noting how extraordinary it was to have national champions for both the NCAA and the NAIA hail from the same state.

Keep up with SEC schedules, odds, predictions, kickoff times and more as Week 8 of the college football season continues Oct. 18.

Beginning at 4:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, the 2025 National Champions will walk down Victory Hill, onto North Stadium Drive and into the Maravich Center, and the Ring Ceremony will begin at 4:45 p.m. CT.

LSU announced an increase in police presence on campus for football games and the use of drones to monitor tailgates in response to on-campus shooting on two game days this season. The measures were announced Thursday in response to Gov.

LSU Interim President Matt Lee and Baton Rouge-area law enforcement are expected to provide an update on gameday and campus security during a news conference on Thursday, Oct. 16.

The SEC said the Commodores successfully pulled off a delayed field storm, which means fans crashed the field after all visiting team personnel and officials had exited the field.