Vanderbilt got the revenge it was looking for. Here is everything Clark Lea said postgame.
NASHVILLE — Vanderbilt opened the 2025 season with its fourth straight victory, overwhelming Georgia State 70-21 on Saturday night.
The Commodores avenged last year’s loss to the Panthers in decisive fashion, scoring on every first-half possession and controlling the game from the start.
The dominant showing could boost Vanderbilt into the AP Top 25 when the new rankings are released Sunday. Regardless, the Commodores left no doubt against a Group of Five opponent that has historically given SEC programs trouble.
Here’s what head coach Clark Lea had to say following the win.
Opening Statement
“I’m really proud of this team and the effort they showed. We played the right way—tough, disciplined football. I have a lot of respect for Georgia State, and we didn’t forget how difficult last year’s loss to them was. Tonight, though, it was our turn. The players came out strong, kept their energy the whole game, and a lot of guys got the chance to contribute. I was especially pleased with how we ran the ball and how we defended the run.
It’s exciting for the players to celebrate another win, but tomorrow we turn the page and get back to work. Each victory just leads into the next big challenge, and we’ve got another important game coming up this week. For now, though, I’m glad to reflect on tonight’s performance.”
Offensively, is there any room for improvement? I mean, how do you break down a performance like that, where there’s just not much to pick at, honestly?
“It was a well-called, well-executed game overall. We did have a couple of sloppy penalties, and I’d like to have that fourth-down call early in the second half back—that’s part of the commitment I’ve made to this team. On fourth-and-one, we go for it, and we just didn’t finish there. Still, we scored eight rushing touchdowns, which was great to see. AJ Newberry got going with a couple, MK broke a long one, and even our quarterbacks and guys further down the roster, like Blaze and Drew, contributed. There’s a lot to like in what we did tonight, and plenty we can continue to build on.”
You’ve had plenty of non conference games here where crowds maybe weren’t that great, or other conference games or other teams fans. How much does it mean to you and the guys when you see a crowd like that, where it’s almost full for a non conference game against, I guess, a non-power four program?
“Our focus has always been internal—we measure ourselves by the investment, commitment, and product we put on the field. The hope is that, through that, we can inspire the community to rally around us. It’s been a long journey to reach what we believe this program can become, and it’s exciting to see that energy spreading through the Vanderbilt community.
The fan support tonight was outstanding, just like it was against Charleston Southern, and we’ll need that same presence when we face Utah State. Our stadium can be a real advantage when it gets loud. Even with the early weather delay, fans stuck it out, and credit to our operations team for getting the game going quickly.
Ultimately, the vision has always been that Saturday nights in Nashville can start here on West End. I’m grateful for our students, our fans, and even those still deciding whether to become part of this community. The more we play in a way that excites people, the more they’ll want to show up. I believe this team can create something really fun and special, and I appreciate everyone who came out tonight.”
You mentioned you have kind of internalized how painful last year’s result was. It seemed like the players throughout the week that we talked to really were bothered by that heading into this week. How much did that come up within them throughout the preparation?
“Last year we had eight games decided by a single score, and our four losses came by an average of just over four points. This was one of those kinds of games, and the players have heard me talk about it constantly since January. Any time I sensed the work rate slipping in the spring or summer, I reminded them how small the margins are.
My message was that yes, we can win close games—but it doesn’t have to be close. Preparation can create separation. A year ago, I spoke about our lack of discipline, and the team agreed—we had too many small infractions like missed meetings or players being late. That’s not who we want to be. The foundation of this program is that better habits make a better team.
This week, the players approached everything like professionals—from the lifts on Sunday to the meetings throughout the week. Even with tough travel schedules the past two weeks, getting back home in the early hours of the morning, they stayed locked in. And when we prepare with that kind of focus, playing the game becomes fun.”
You guys scored a touchdown on your first six drives of the night. Just how satisfying was it to bury a team in a revenge game like this before halftime?
“It wasn’t really about running up the score. We knew how we performed against them last year and understood how dangerous they can be, so our focus was on starting fast, playing clean, and winning explosive plays. We did that, taking control early with six straight touchdowns in the first half. That’s pretty efficient football. We weren’t perfect—there are still details to tighten up—but overall I’m proud of how our team played and the way they put pressure on the opponent.”
Diego went over 200 yards passing tonight, second time of the season. He only did that three times last year. Quarterbacks overall connected with 12 different receivers. What have you kind of seen out of the passing game that seemingly made strides from last year to this year?
“Our passing game has taken a big step forward, and it really starts with protection. We’re keeping the pocket clean and giving Diego more time, plus we’ve added weapons across the board. Defenses now have to account for multiple threats—guys like Junior Tre, Eli Richie, Martel, and Cole can all make plays.
Diego himself has grown a lot too. He’s seeing the field better, the game has slowed down for him, and he’s making smart decisions that put us in the right plays. Our identity is still built on being physical in the run game, but our philosophy is to throw to score and run to win—and that balance is showing in how we’re playing right now.”
Despite your offensive output the first several games you haven’t had either a 100 yard rusher or receiver yet this season. What does that say for your ability to kind of spread the ball around and have so many different options offensively?
“I think that’s a great stat and something I’m proud of. It shows we have real depth and plenty of weapons, but also that our players are unselfish and willing to let their teammates shine. That balance is going to be important for sustaining success over the course of the season. From what I know so far, we’ve also stayed healthy these past couple of weeks, which is a credit to our strength and conditioning and athletic training staff. Being able to spread the ball around like this will help us maintain consistency as we move through a tough schedule.”
Along those lines, with what you’ve added on the perimeter, with what you’ve added on the offensive line, does Diego not have to be as much of a superhero for you guys to be able to do it because of what you added?
“Our goal is to limit the number of hits he takes because he’s such an important part of our team. We’ve built in more plays where he can hand the ball off or get it out quickly to one of our playmakers in space. Of course, there will still be times when he tucks it and runs—he did that tonight—and I still haven’t broken him of the habit of lead blocking on reverses. But with the weapons we have around him, he can focus more on facilitating and letting others make plays, which makes us more effective while also keeping him fresher.”
Seems like it had been a while since Jay Cutler had been at a game here. Did you get a chance to talk to him? And what are your thoughts on him? Kind of coming back and being here for a game for the first time?
“I ran into Jay at halftime, and it was great having him back. He was a teammate and a close friend during my playing days, and I have so much respect for both him and his career—he’s a true Vanderbilt legend. It’s always special to see former players return, like Anfernee Orji tonight as well. No matter where their careers have taken them, Vanderbilt still means something, and they have a stake in what we’re building because they’ve invested in this program. I want them to enjoy the success, feel connected, and keep coming back. We’ll continue welcoming Jay and all our former players to be a part of this journey.”
No Comment! Be the first one.