Reflecting On The UNLV Loss A Day Later
It's been just under 24 hours since the Vanderbilt Commodores football team suffered a crushing loss to the visiting UNLV Rebels, and the vocal displeasure on social media is still flowing.
A 15.5 point favorite the matchup, Vanderbilt was suppossed to get well against their Mountain West opponent who had just one win under their belt, having defeated Soutern Utah in their season opener before losing their next four games.
UNLV had other ideas however, and when all was said and done it was the vistors who walked away with a decisive win over an SEC opponent. It was their first win over a Power 5 opponent since defeating Iowa St. in 2008.
There's no doubt that the Vanderbilt team and coaches were devastated following their latest loss. Head coach Derek Mason didn't say the words, but the pained look on his face was obvious during his post game press conference.
As devastated as Mason and his team were, the disappointments and consternation of the season to date has former players, alumni and fans on social media voicing their opinions and displeasure with the coaching staff.
Those are just a few from former Vanderbilt players, who are invested and love their school and football program in spite of all that has gone on in its history.
As for fans, there are enough comments to fill a copy of War & Peace and there's no need to further beat people when they are down.
However, it's clear that whatever the issues are with this team, the wave of discontent and outrage will continue to grow as long as the team continues to struggle and lose games.
Make no mistake, I'm not one to lead the call for someone to lose their job, having experienced that myself, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Besides that, I have only recently begun covering this university and from my personal experience, Mason is an outstanding gentleman. One can debate his performance as a coach, but I have yet to meet anyone who would have a negative word about Mason the man outside the white lines.
Here's hoping that he and his staff can figure it out and soon, but that seems like a longshot considering how poorly his team performed Saturday.
The Commodores play host to SEC East division foe Missouri (5-1) on Saturday in a 3pm kickoff at Vanderbilt Stadium.
