Vanderbilt might not have the most impressive football history and if we’re being honest, the Commodores are still barely an afterthought, even in the relatively weak SEC East. But just two seasons after going winless in league play, they reached a bowl game last season and now Derek Mason wants to take another step forward in his third season. The Tennesseean’s beat writer, Adam Sparks, tells us there are plenty of signs of upward potential, and this Saturday’s game against Kansas State could be a good litmus test.
Quarterback Kyle Shurmur and running back Ralph Webb provide some punch on an offense surprisingly good through the air so far, while the defense has given up just six points in two games against Middle Tennessee State.