Vanderbilt vs. Alabama A&M: 5 things to watch

Vanderbilt’s home opener against Alabama A&M will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday (SEC Network Alternate).

Facing an FCS school, the Commodores can use this game to fine-tune a few things before a much anticipated matchup with No. 19 Kansas State next week. In that vein, here are five things to watch from Vanderbilt:

More:Vanderbilt vs. Alabama A&M: TV, radio, streaming, kickoff information

Run with power

With a revamped offensive line, Vanderbilt was effective pass-blocking in last week’s 28-6 win over Middle Tennessee State. But the offense lacked the power-running style that it leaned heavily on last season. Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt’s all-time rusher, had only 49 rushing yards in the opener. Granted, MTSU loaded the tackle box, and the Commodores chose to attack through the air. But in game two, Vanderbilt needs to show it can still flex its muscle on the ground.

Keep the pass rush coming

Vanderbilt’s defense, which struggled to rush the passer last season, piled up five sacks last week. So the problem has been solved, right? Not quite. The Commodores need to make a strong pass rush a consistent habit, and there’s no reason that they can’t continue it against Alabama A&M.

More:Vanderbilt statements from a month ago came true in opening win

Clean up special teams

Coach Derek Mason gave special teams a grade of C-minus in the opener. Vanderbilt blocked a kick and played solid in other areas. But Mason wants dynamic returns, better coverage of kicks and accurate placekicking.

More:Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason wanted more than 22-point win over MTSU

Develop the depth chart

Vanderbilt is a heavy favorite. If it can build a big lead, young players need to get quality reps to prepare for the murderers’ row ahead. The Commodores will face No. 19 Kansas State, No. 1 Alabama, No. 24 Florida and No. 15 Georgia in the next four weeks. Coaches need to know which players are ready to play in primetime and which need more time to develop. Keep an eye on redshirt freshman running back Jamauri Wakefield, who touts a lot of ability but little experience.

More:Up next: Vanderbilt can go 2-0 against Alabama A&M

Put away opponent quickly

This isn’t a gimme. Vanderbilt has faced stiff challenges from FCS foes in each of Mason’s three seasons. In 2014, the Commodores pulled out a 21-20 win over Charleston Southern. In 2015, Austin Peay reached the end zone first and led 7-3 before Vanderbilt scored 44 unanswered points. And last season, Tennessee State led 17-14 before the Commodores scored three straight touchdowns for the victory. Vanderbilt needs to start fast, just like it did last week.

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.

NEXT GAME

VANDERBILT (1-0) VS. ALABAMA A&M (0-1)

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

TV/Radio: SEC Network Alternate/1510 AM, 98.3 FM