Vanderbilt started the 2023 season with a home win over Hawai’i in the first SEC game of the season. That’s where the good news ended for the Commodores on Saturday night in Nashville.
Clark Lea‘s defense gave up 351 passing yards (10.0 yards per attempt) and 6.5 yards per play in the 35-28 home victory. The offense rushed for only 65 non-sack yards (2.8 yards per rush) and gave up nine tackles for loss. Fortunately, a kickoff return touchdown by Jayden McGowan and two De’Rickey Wright interceptions gave the Commodores just enough wiggle room to get out of Week Zero without a loss.