Much credit should go to Derek Mason for what he has accomplished at Vanderbilt. James Franklin achieved more but also saddled Vandy with some athletes that damaged the program’s reputation. Mason appears to be building the Dores for long-term viability in the SEC East and re-establishing the program’s credibility.
Does Mason have the player resources to win a SEC East Division title? Maybe. Can he lead the Dores to an upset of Alabama? Not likely.
Vandy is very good defensively. The Dores could not get consistent pass pressure on Kansas State but it did not hurt because the Vandy secondary kept the Wildcats receivers blanketed.