Five Things I Want To See From Vanderbilt vs Missouri
After last Saturday, most fans and media have written off the Vanderbilt Commodores for the majority of their remaining schedule (a game with ETSU withstanding) including this Saturday's visit from the #22 Missouri Tigers.
Currently 5-1 overall, 2-0 in SEC play the Tigers and riding a 5 game winning streak where they have been dominating on both sides of the ball. It's easy then to see how oddsmakers and fans are predicting a Tiger win, and probably by a wide margin.
However, there are things Vanderbilt can do to pull the upset. Remember just last week, South Carolina visited Georgia and no one thought the Gamecocks had a prayer.
Remember Buster Douglas beating Mike Tyson?
So you're saying there's a chance?
You betcha!
There's always a punchers chance. This Mizzou bunch is good, thery're not as good as the Dogs or Tyson.
FIVE THINGS I WANT TO SEE
1) PRESSURE/HIT KELLY BRYANT: Vanderbilt has not been good at getting to, and affecting the quarterback much this season. That has to change against Bryant and this Tigers offense.
Not only do they need to pressure him, but they must get hits on him and find a way to produce sacks. Yes, I know it's hard for a tiger to change it's stripes or for Commodore defenders to sack the quarterback, but this is the week things have to turn for Vandy.
2) FIND THE PASSING GAME: Yeah I know, another "can't be done" task for a struggling unit, but remember there is talent on this offense, they just have to figure out how to make it work.
Whomever is behind center, either Riley Neal or Deuce Wallace, I feel Missouri will have eight up to stop the run and leave some room for plays to be made on the backend. The trick for the Commodores is taking advantage of what's given and making plays.
3) TACKLE: Once again I continue to ask a lot, I know, but the issues with tackling this team has shown must be corrected. Being able to make the stop when they make contact will be critical for a defense that has been very weak in this area so far this season.
4) VAUGHN CAN"T BE FORGOTTEN: Ke'Shawn Vaughn has been the one constant for Vanderbilt this season. He's been over the century mark in three of the five games he's participated in. He went over the century mark against LSU, and these Tigers are not nearly as stout as that Baton Rouge bunch.
The Commodores offense starts strong each week then fades away. That can't happen this week and keeping Vaughn going and gaining yards will be the key.
5) HAVE FUN PLAYING THE GAME: This team of Commodores have gone through a lot of late. I just want to see guys on the field, flying around, playing hard and having fun.
Block out the distractions, the outside noise and go let it all hang out. Take out some aggression on the other guys and see what happens when the dust settles.
