#9 Vanderbilt is riding high following victories over LSU and Missouri. Now, the Commodores will travel to Austin for a date with #20 Texas. Whichever school loses this matchup will likely see their College Football Playoff dreams vanish.
Which names are poised for a big performance in this must-win clash? These are the top college football player props to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for Week 10’s matchup between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Texas Longhorns.
Texas enters this contest as 2.5-point favorites (-115) over Vanderbilt, with the over/under set at 44.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Vanderbilt vs. Texas best prop bets
Diego Pavia 190+ passing yards (-105)
In a sport filled with standout quarterbacks, Diego Pavia is among the best. This season, the senior has thrown for 1,698 yards, ran for 458 more, and accumulated 20 total touchdowns. The dual-threat’s ability on the ground can cause headaches for almost anyone. That may not be the case for Texas’ defensive line. The Longhorns have held opponents to an SEC-best 2.4 yards per rush and 80.8 rushing yards per game. Look no further than UT’s performance vs. Oklahoma in Week 7. Sooners quarterback John Mateer gained only five yards on 14 carries.
Against this defense, Pavia may struggle escaping the pocket. Still, there’s multiple ways for the QB to make an impact. Texas’ secondary, while solid, isn’t elite compared to its front seven. This season, the Longhorns have surrendered 219.1 passing yards per game, the SEC’s eighth-highest total. Unlike most other offenses, the Commodores don’t lean on a traditional running back. If Pavia can’t break loose, they’ll likely let him rip it down the field. That’s especially true if UT holds a second-half lead at home. Vandy’s gunslinger should do damage as a passer, rather than a rusher, this afternoon.
Jack Endries anytime touchdown scorer (+290)
Let’s go with a real long shot for Saturday’s showdown. Texas’ offense has had its share of struggles, especially under center. Quarterback Arch Manning has looked rusty, to say the least. However, his four-touchdown performance last weekend vs. Mississippi State was promising. UT will look to keep its momentum going against a much more difficult defense in Vanderbilt. The Commodores excel at stopping the run, putting even more pressure on Manning to sling it on Saturday.
As good as Vandy is on defense, they have been vulnerable over the middle of the field. Over their previous two games, the Commodores have allowed touchdowns to opposing tight ends on Missouri and LSU. Could Texas TE Jack Endries follow suit? The junior has had a disappointing season, hauling in 16 catches for _ yards and two touchdowns. Still, he tied his season-high last week with four receptions. If Manning continues to look for Endries, a red zone trip might follow. At nearly three-to-one odds, the 6’4″ target is a high-upside play worth consideration.
