LSU will meet a roaring Vanderbilt in Week 8. Time is running out for Brian Kelly to prove that the Tigers have a shot at the playoffs. Which is why, this matchup is going to be a must-win for him. Kelly has both good and bad news from his injury report before the clash. One key player will possibly come in, while another seems to be out.

Star WR Aaron Anderson is likely coming back for the Vanderbilt game, On3 reported. He skipped the South Carolina game, after being down with multiple injuries from the Ole Miss game. Anderson was dealing with a combination of blows to his hip, knee and toe. But Kelly told the press on Wednesday that Anderson had participated in practice and that he was expected to do a “nice job.” Anderson’s knee, in particular, has been a major issue. The WR has been dealing with problems after having surgery in that knee in 2023.

Anderson is a key unit of the LSU receiving corps. He proved to be extremely productive in 2024, finishing 3rd the SEC in receptions (61) and 7 in receiving yards (884). Anderson is among just 3 returning wideouts for LSU, making his presence even more integral in the room. Anderson leads the receiving corps in receiving yards, despite missing the South Carolina game.

However, Brian Kelly might not be getting DT Bernard Gooden back. He suffered a collarbone injury in Week 7, but Kelly has confirmed it isn’t broken. But Gooden was listed as questionable in the past two days, which implies that he won’t be able to play just yet. He is a key performer of the Tigers’ D-line and is tied in the SEC for most defensive tackles. Losing Gooden is a troubling news for Brian Kelly, since the defense is going to be the game changer against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Brian Kelly needs defense in full swing against a dangerous Vanderbilt offense

Experts far and wide unanimously agree that the Tigers defense isn’t going to be easy for the Commodores to break through. But losing Gooden alone threatens that fact from holding up. The DL has hauled in 13 pressures this season, and that is exactly where Diego Pavia struggles. The QB is among the top 5 QBs in the SEC and is a serious threat by all means. However, he did seem to be a little less fiery against Alabama. His passing efficiency dropped to 60% – the lowest it’s ever been this season. LSU, ahead of Week 8, is ranked No. 21 in total defense.

Brian Kelly will also likely be without star LB Whit Weeks in this crucial game, which takes away some serious power from the defense. The Vanderbilt offense is one of the most lethal in the country right now. Its run game is one of the best, and it will be difficult to contain this unit. Perhaps this offense will meet its match in LSU’s defense, which had restricted a dangerous LaNorris Sellers to 15-of-27 and 124 passing yards. Weeks leads the team in tackles as of now, and is essential man to keep that defense up to par.

Without Gooden and Weeks in play, LSU will have to work its way around Vanderbilt carefully. That offense is practically an unstoppable force. Brian Kelly enters this game as a favorite, but Vanderbilt has earned itself a reputation for upsetting the big names. Will Kelly be able to hold his ground against a fierce side lacking some key production?