Quick Hits: Arkansas

Vanderbilt hits the road to take on Arkansas on Saturday for yet another SEC matchup away from home.

Vanderbilt hits the road to take on Arkansas on Saturday for yet another SEC matchup away from home.

NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt hits the road to take on Arkansas on Saturday for yet another SEC matchup away from home. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on SET Network at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

On Tuesday, Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason met the media to preview the matchup with the Razorbacks. He was joined by defensive lineman Dare Odeyingbo and offensive lineman Bruno Reagan.

Here’s what the Dores had to say:

• Mason said communication and execution are two areas in which improvement would push the Commodores to another level. “I told this group, if you improve an inch and a half in any of those areas or all of those areas, the opportunity to win is right there for you.”

• Mason said the Dores will land in Fayetteville early Friday and participate in a quick walkthrough at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. But Mason said his team is not worried about an unfamiliar opponent in Arkansas. “When it’s all said and done, opponents are opponents.”

• Mason said he has been impressed with Arkansas’ defense on film. “On defense, I look at De’Jon [Harris] right now, and he’s playing fabulous at the linebacker position. [Santos] Ramirez at safety is blowing it up.”

• Arkansas has played three quarterbacks this season, but Mason said the Hogs will throw the ball no matter who is under center. “They want to have explosive passes. They have a quarterback, or quarterbacks, who can get the ball down the field.”

• Odeyingbo said Vanderbilt’s defense had spurts of playing well against Kentucky, but “a good game with a loss isn’t what you want.”

• Mason said running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn is likely to return after missing the Kentucky game. Reagan said he looks forward to seeing Vaughn break off runs against Arkansas. “I love watching the running backs’ backs. That’s a great thing.”

Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.