Saturday night Ralph Webb flew over Middle Tennessee State University as the Vanderbilt Commodores came away with a 47-24 victory.
Four Quarters and Four Things to be Excited About
By all means this Vandy team is getting better. They didn’t play a perfect game, but they put in a solid team effort. Head Coach Derek Mason spoke after the game, “There was a lot of ebb and flow in this game…We did what this team hasn’t done since I have been here, we responded all the way around…that was telling in terms of where we were and how focused these guys were.” The offense put 31 points on the board in the first half, which is the first time under Mason. They were un-phased by the hour and forty-five minute lightning and rain delay that occurred with five minutes left in the first quarter. Andy Ludwig’s offense is starting to put points on the board at a consistent rate and Mason’s defense knows how to score points.
Vanderbilt proved they could handle anything MTSU and Mother Nature could throw at them.
Offense and More Offense: The First Two Things to be Excited About
The Vandy offense fought hard to show their fans what they are made of and what they are building. The Commodores offensive line was impressive to say the least. The front line was key Saturday night, keeping sophomore quarterback Kyle Shurmur upright. In turn, this allowed Shurmur the luxury to explore his options. As a matter of fact, there were 10 different receivers who caught passes in this game. The O-Line made holes for Webb to break free to conquer the field as he hurdled defenders and goal lines with ease. The front five are big, strong, and downright good. Shurmur still had some struggles, but with more playing time he should continue to grow. This offense gave the fans what they have been waiting to see: potential.
Webb was a human highlight reel with his 29 carries, 211 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Webb’s yardage is the third most in school history. The last two seasons for Webb were promising, and we have only had a glimpse of what this young back can do in 2016. Mason talked about Webb after the game, “He is amazing…I’ll take him over any running back in this conference, because I know who he is. I know what he’s done since I’ve been here. He stands for everything that a Vanderbilt man is.” Webb wasn’t in this game alone as he had plenty of help in keeping Vandy seven for seven in the red zone, “The offensive line did their job tonight. It is a great feeling to celebrate as a team, so take this victory and we will celebrate it tonight and get ready to work tomorrow.” This offense wasn’t perfect, but it was the first brick in a solid foundation.
Defense and Depth
Mason stated “we have tried to build a wave of bodies…we have created depth…I thought that the depth carried us late in the third quarter.” Zach Cunningham’s forced fumble in the first quarter marked the seventh consecutive game that Vandy has forced a fumble. Darrius Sims and Jay Woods made their season debuts Saturday, as Oren Burks had an interception that he ran back for 59 yards. Burks also made Vandy’s first sack of the season against Brent Stockstill in the fourth quarter. Cunningham recorded 10 tackles against the Blue Raiders. It is his sixth straight double-digit tackle game and his eleventh of his career. With these stats in mind, keep an eye on this defense as it matures through the season.
Energy Feeds Excitement
Vanderbilt came out especially hyped for this game. They had a renewed energy about them and were ready to play all four quarters. Furthermore, the Commodores had an answer for everything that MTSU gave them offensively and defensively. Football isn’t a perfect game and by no means did Vandy play a perfect game, but they played a well-rounded game.
Mason talked about the energy, “I thought the energy was good all the way through the game. The energy was good from our guys on the sideline to each other…that was important. Important for us to stay focused stay in this game…sometimes when you can create your own energy…it can sustain you and it sustained us tonight.”
Mason also said he challenged this team, “Just give me your best and your best is good enough…they gave me their best…Was it perfect? No. But it was good enough to get a win. I am so proud of these guys.”
This Vandy team will have to take this renewed energy on the road next Saturday to Atlanta as they take on Georgia Tech. If Vanderbilt can take the positives from this past game, as well as tweak and improve plays, they should build a momentum that will carry them through the season. Mason and his staff have been relentless in building a team of talent and depth, and Vanderbilt is starting to fire on all cylinders.
Even though their side of the stands thinned a little after the rain delay Saturday, the loyal few who stuck around were rewarded with a good, solid win. Mason has the ship headed in the right direction, and if Vandy continues with this energy they will be an exciting team to watch.
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