Five Things I Want To See From Vanderbilt Vs Ole Miss
It might not be a must win, but it's dang sure close for both the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Ole Miss Rebels when the two teams meet later today inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford.
Before you jump on me for the "must win" comment, consider that it would be the Commodores fourth loss and third in the SEC. It would also be their second loss in a winnable game- UGA and LSU were tough asks, but Purdue and Ole Miss were, and are winnable. The margin for error with another loss becomes slimmer going forward.
So debate the "must win" if you will, but Vandy can ill-afford another loss this early in the season.
FIVE THINGS
1) Keep Neal Upright: The struggles of the Commodores offensive line are well documanted, and while they did a decent job the last two week, they must continue to get better.
The Commodores have the skill players outside with Kailijah Lipscomb, Cam Johnson and in particular, Jared Pinkney who was almost nonexistant last week againt NIU. Add CJ Boler and Chris Pierce and the weapons are there to make plays if Neal is upright and able to get the football to this group downfield.
2) Going, Going Vaughn: It's easy to put this one in every week, but when you have a back like Ke'Shawn Vaughn, he has to be a part of the plan.
Ole Miss is allowing 106.8 yards per game rushing, and Vaughn is more than capable of that and more. For reference see LSU, where Vaughn topped that number and the Rebels defense is not that of the Tigers. A couple homeruns, or tripples from Vaughn are just what the doctor ordered in this one.
3) Let Plumlee Pass: Freshman quarerback John Rhys Plumlee ran for over 100 yards last week against Alabama, a sta that sould scare the pants off Commodores defensive coordinator Jason Tarver.
I'm not saying don't try to presurehim, but he struggled last week in reading coverages and making plays down field at times. He did lead two late scoring drives when the game was decided and Bama was likely looking forward to dinner and their upcoming bye week.
Still I feel more comfortable with a mobile quarterback being contained and throwing than running all over the field and racking up hundreds of yards safely on the ground. If he's throwing there's a chance he makes a mistake and throws some into the wrong hands.
4) Stay On Schedule: Vanderbilt's offense has spent far to much time this year facing long down and distance situations. Staying ahead of the chains in this one is critical. Long, time consuming, grinding drives will wear down the "Land Sharks" and keep the ball away from Plumlee and company.
5) Just Win Baby: It's my first season on the Vandy beat and I would love to go bowling.
