![]() ![]() It won’t get any easier against Wake Forest this weekend, as Vanderbilt is at risk of being without De’Rickey Wright, a leader in the secondary who nabbed two interceptions against Hawaii and has been one of the lone bright spots on the defense thus far. Similar to the rushing attack, there have been flashes of improvement, but inconsistent play has plagued Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks and safeties. This came less than a week after the team allowed Brayden Schager and Hawaii to throw for 351 yards and three touchdowns in a poor showing. Still, it got legitimately burnt early in the third quarter after cornerback Martel Hight was caught napping, and a speedy Terell Gardner got behind the entire defense and went 62 yards to the house. The Big PlayĪs mentioned, the Commodores’ secondary showed some improvement against Alabama A&M, as it helped the defense hold its opponents to just 13 points. It’ll be up to Vanderbilt’s veteran offensive line to create holes, and the Commodores’ less-than-veteran running backs to attack them. While Wake Forest lost a lot of experience up front (both to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal), this defensive line will be significantly stronger and more athletic than either of the previous two the Commodores have faced. The ground game is, simply put, inexperienced and inconsistent, and while the whole group has shown flashes of brilliance, things won’t come as easy against this Demon Deacon front. Smith was involved as well as he rushed 10 times for 50 yards, and Swann even used his legs, much to the delight of Vanderbilt fans, rushing 3 times for 24 yards. ![]() Alexander took over in the second half en route to a stat line of 12 carries for 87 yards and two scores. In the Alabama A&M game, the Commodores rushed the ball 34 times for 215 yards (6.3 yards per attempt). During the ensuing game, however, offensive coordinator Joey Lynch made the rushing game a point of emphasis, as Vanderbilt ran all over the Bulldogs. The output was concerning considering the losses that Hawaii had undergone up front and left many Commodore fans wondering what it meant for the future of the backfield. In total, the team rushed for 39 yards on 26 attempts, good for a measly 1.5 yards per carry. Smith opened the season’s scoring with a 21-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter, but from there, the Commodores did absolutely nothing when running the football. Things were less than ideal for the Commodores in Week Zero, as the ground game was simply abysmal. The changes left junior Patrick Smith, sophomore Chase Gillespie and freshman Sedrick Alexander the reins to the backfield. ![]() Of course, it didn’t help that Mike Wright - who rushed for 517 yards - transferred to Mississippi State as well. This move made the loss of Rocko Griffin, who transferred to UTSA after a season full of turmoil and injury, even more significant. inconsistenciesĪfter a dominant campaign last season that saw him account for over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 8 total touchdowns, Ray Davis left the Commodores for SEC rival Kentucky. Let’s take a look at what the Commodores need to do better this go-around. The Commodores enter this game, the second part of a home-and-home against the Demon Deacons, as double-digit underdogs after getting blown out at FirstBank Stadium last season. While the back line of defense seemingly battened down the hatches in an improved performance against Alabama A&M, there are question marks all over their part of the field, and this upcoming Saturday poses the biggest challenge thus far. Other positional groups, such as the secondary, have struggled mightily. Both receivers already have over 130 receiving yards on the season and are proving to be a dynamic duo. Its receiving corps, headlined by Biletnikoff nominee Will Sheppard and electrifying sophomore Jayden McGowan, has already shown legitimate chemistry with Swann. With AJ Swann firmly at the helm of the offense, Vanderbilt’s quarterback situation is as stable as it has been in years. Perhaps the Commodores’ biggest strength is their air attack. Still, it’s difficult to gauge expectations considering that both of its first two games came against significantly weaker programs, non-Power 5 programs in Hawaii and Alabama A&M. Now two weeks into its season, Vanderbilt is beginning to get an idea of its strengths and weaknesses. ![]()
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