Nov. 25, 2016
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
On campus in Nashville – Vanderbilt capped its most impressive performance under Derek Mason in last week’ 38-17 win over Ole Miss. But as the Commodores prepare to host Tennessee on Saturday, Mason knows his team must turn the page this week.
“It’s rivalry week.” Mason said. “It’s Tennessee. It’s two teams battling for bragging rights in this state.”
Vanderbilt (5-6, 2-5 SEC) can reach automatic bowl eligibility with a win over No. 24 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3 SEC) at Vanderbilt Stadium. Here are three keys to the game for the ‘Dores:
1. Press the running game.
SEC opponents have had their way with Tennessee’s banged-up defense in recent weeks. The Vols are 2-0 in their last two games despite giving up 1,375 total yards to Kentucky and Missouri. Much of the blame falls on UT’s rushing defense, which ranks 114th nationally in allowing 5.16 yards-per-carry. The Wildcats and Tigers ran for a combined 863 rushing yards against Tennessee, or 7.1 yards-per-carry.
That should be music to the ears of Vanderbilt’s offense, which was at its best in the win over Ole Miss. The Commodores rang up 481 total yards, including 208 yards on the ground against the Rebels. Ralph Webb chipped in 123 yards (6.2 per carry) and now sits just 27 yards shy of setting a new career rushing record at Vanderbilt. That’s why we can expect a heaping helping of running against Tennessee. “We’re going to do what we do, and that’s predicated on running the football,” Mason said.
Of course, the ‘Dores succeeded with a two-dimensional offense against Ole Miss. But Vanderbilt can set the tone early against Tennessee’s susceptible defense with Webb, Khari Blasingame and the rest of its stable of rushers. “They have given up a lot of yards rushing to offenses the last couple of weeks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an automatic thing for anyone,” center Barrett Gouger said. “We’ve got to come out and play hard. If we don’t, it’s not going to happen for us.”
2. Contain Derek Barnett and UT’s defensive line.
Mason didn’t mince words when asked to assess Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett. “He’s the best D-lineman in this conference, bar none,” Mason said. “When I watch him, that dude’s a monster. He’s a beast.”
The numbers add credence to Mason’s words. The junior Barnett is the SEC leader in sacks (11.0) and tackles-for-loss (17.0). He is the only SEC player in league history to record three seasons with 10 or more sacks, and all 11 of Barnett’s sacks in 2016 have come in SEC play. With two more sacks, Barnett will break the Tennessee career record (32.0) set by former UT and NFL legend Reggie White.
Vanderbilt’s offense must account for Barnett on every play. Quarterback Kyle Shurmur will have to make quick reads and feed the ball to his pass-catchers faster than he did against Ole Miss. Meanwhile, the ‘Dores’ offensive line must play as one unit; Vanderbilt has allowed 26 sacks this season, second-most in the SEC.
If Barnett spends a lot of time in Vanderbilt’s backfield, it could be a long night for the ‘Dores. But Shurmur and company say they are ready for the challenge. “We’re aware of him,” Shurmur said of Barnett, “but I’m also aware that I have a great offensive line.”
3. Force Joshua Dobbs out of sync.
Tennessee has won its last two games in spite of its defense. But the Vols’ recent success has come on the heels of strong offense, as well. UT averaged 56 points, 604 total yards and 381 rushing yards in wins over Kentucky and Missouri. That attack begins with senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who is the Vols’ leader in passing and rushing. Dobbs is close to becoming just the fourth Tennessee player to notch a 3,000-yard season in total offense.
Last week, Vanderbilt found ways to neutralize Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson, a dual-threat passer whose abilities mirror that of Dobbs. But unlike the true freshman Patterson, Dobbs is a senior, one who will be much harder to rattle. “Josh Dobbs is as good a quarterback as I’ve seen on tape,” Mason said.
Tennessee can struggle if Dobbs falls out of sync. Luckily for Vanderbilt, its defense has stepped up in SEC play. The Commodores rank fifth in league in total defense (357.4 yards) against SEC opponents. That unit must keep Dobbs honest through the air and prevent receivers Jajuan Jennings and Josh Malone from breaking out on the edge. The ‘Dores also can’t allow Dobbs to scramble out of pressure and keep the chains alive.
Vanderbilt and No. 24 Tennessee kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network.