5 keys for Vanderbilt vs. Texas A&M
Vanderbilt rides its three-game home winning streak into Senior Day against Texas A&M Saturday.
Here are five keys for the Commodores in their home finale.
1. Balance the offense: Freshman quarterback Kyle Shurmur needs help from his receivers and the ground game. There were too many drops by wide receivers in last week’s win over Kentucky, but this would be a good game for Trent Sherfield to become the rookie quarterback's favorite target. Against Kentucky, the rushing attack helped maintain the lead. Texas A&M has the worst rush defense in the SEC, perhaps pointing to an area running back Ralph Webb could exploit in hopes of further aiding Shurmur.
2. Score on defense: Why not turn Vanderbilt’s first defensive score into a two-game streak? Oren Burks had a pick-6 last week against Kentucky, adding a boost to the scoreboard to help out the offense. Vanderbilt reached 20 points against an FBS opponent for the first time this season because the defense scored, and it might need to reach that number again to keep pace with Texas A&M.
3. Handle the rush: Vanderbilt’s offensive line has done well up front lately despite multiple injuries, but it faces a tall order against Texas A&M’s talented pass rush. The Aggies rank third nationally in tackles-for-loss, and the duo of Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall has 16.5 sacks. Shurmur will see plenty of pressure, so his release must be quick and deliberate, and Vanderbilt must be solid in its pass protection.
4. Better boot: The punting game could weigh heavily in the game’s outcome. Texas A&M has the nation’s top punt returner, Christian Kirk, and No. 2 punter in terms of yards per punt, Drew Kaser. After suffering through some kicking and coverage issues, Vanderbilt would be happy with a stalemate in special teams in this one. Bottling up Kirk is priority No. 1, but the Commodores must also manage other facets of special teams.
5. Get a head-start: Vanderbilt has earned a halftime lead in its past four SEC games and had a chance to win each. Even if the passing game progresses, the Commodores have not shown they’re equipped to rally from double-digit deficits. Their best chance to win this one is to start strong and hold firmly to that early lead.
VANDERBILT (4-6, 2-4 SEC) vs. TEXAS A&M (7-3, 3-3 SEC)
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: SEC Network
Radio: 1510 AM, 95.9-FM
Last meeting: Texas A&M 56, Vanderbilt 24 (2013)
Reach Adam Sparks at 615-259-8010 and on Twitter @AdamSparks.