Massachusetts @ Vanderbilt preview

Vanderbilt has played well for three straight weeks, sandwiching a competitive loss to No. 3 Florida around wins over Missouri and Auburn, entering Saturday’s home game against winless Massachusetts. Coach James Franklin has the Commodores positioned for their first winning regular-season record since 1982 and consecutive bowl appearances for the first time in program history. The Minutemen look to be easy fodder - they allow 40.7 points per game.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: Vanderbilt -33

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS (0-7): Freshman quarterback Mike Wegzyn (6 feet 5, 215 pounds) has all the tools, but is going through growing pains. He has thrown for 1,045 yards and four touchdown against six interceptions. Senior running back Michael Cox has run for 423 yards and three touchdowns, including a 188-yard day against Miami (Ohio). But the Minutemen, who are coming off a 24-0 home loss to Bowling Green, average only 11.9 points.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (3-4): Senior running back Zac Stacy became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 169 yards against Auburn last week. He has 2,670 rushing yards, 38 more than Frank Mordica (1976-79). He was helped greatly by sophomore center Joe Townsend, who earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his blocking. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews is tied for the SEC lead with 46 catches and averages an SEC-best 106.8 receiving yards in conference play. Vanderbilt has held five of seven opponents to 23 or fewer points and ranks 33rd nationally in scoring defense (21.0).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stacy has rushed for 25 career touchdowns, one shy of the school record set by Dean Davidson (1947-50).

2. Vanderbilt QB Jordan Rodgers has thrown for 410 yards and a touchdown over the past two games without an interception.

3. Senior Deion Walker, UMass’ leading WR, was held to three catches for 13 yards last week. He has 34 grabs for 424 yards and a score this season.

PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 45, Massachusetts 10