Kentucky currently ranks 83rd in the country in third down conversions, having achieved a first down on only 37 percent of the 130 third downs it has faced.
To make matters worse, Vanderbilt is among the nation’s best in getting its defense off the field on third downs. Of the 128 teams in college football, the Commodores rank fourth overall in third down conversion defense. Derek Mason’s defense has forced a punt on 75 percent of all third down situations.
Furthermore, Vanderbilt ranks 13th in the NCAA in first downs allowed. It’s also in the top 20 in red-zone defense, rushing yards allowed, scoring defense and total defense.