Ranking the Most Important Nonconference Games for Vanderbilt

No. 3: Ball State Cardinals (2023: 4-8, 3-5 Mid-American Conference)

The boys from Muncie, Ind., come to town between some tough SEC games with the University of Kentucky and the Longhorns. The Cardinals were a middle-of-the-pack team in the MAC last year but are always a tough out. Expect coach Mike Neu and his staff to have their team ready to play. Vanderbilt may come in a little beat up at this halfway point of the season, but they better not overlook the Cardinals. Redshirt freshman Kadin Semonza looks to be the next in line to play quarterback after Kiael Kelly hit the transfer portal. Semonza started three games as a true freshman last year and took a majority of the snaps in the Cardinal's spring game.

No. 2: Georgia State Panthers (2023: 7-6, 3-5 Sun Belt Conference)

The Panthers are another team that always seems to give Power Five schools issues, including knocking off SEC member the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville in 2019. The Panthers welcome in Georgia native and two-time National Champion Dell McGee as the run-game coordinator at the University of Georgia. McGee brings a knack for developing players and knowledge of the state of Georgia. Taking over this team that has only been around since 2010, Georgia State is breaking through the glass ceiling with every football achievement. Zach Gibson, the redshirt senior, looks to take this team to new heights in a tough Group of 5 conference at quarterback transferring from Georgia Tech in January 2024.

No.1 Virginia Tech Hokies (2023 7-6, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference)

Coming off a seven-win season and a good victory in the Military Bowl against a very good Tulane team, the Hokies look to start the new year with a bang. Coach Brent Pry looks to make a splash in his third season as the head man at Virginia Tech. The offense looks to continue to put up points, as they were one of the only teams in college football to win five conference games by 17 points or more, while also bolstering a top 20 defense.

If they want to put the college football world on notice right at the start of the season, the Commodores will need to have First Bank Stadium packed and excited as the Hokies are returning to the old days of Tech football. Virginia Tech is not a great road team as they have only gone 3-9 on the road under Pry. The Hokies and the Commodores have a lot to play for, and more so for Vanderbilt, as they don't have many wins ahead on their schedule. The Commodores need to get this one to hopefully jump-start the season and prove a lot of pundits wrong.