The Vanderbilt Commodores visit Arkansas on Saturday in Fayetteville. Here are your three keys to a Commodore victory over the Razorbacks.
By Don Yates
Keep the lead
Against Florida Vanderbilt roared out an early lead with the Commodore offense looking great in the first half. In the second half Vandy regressed and allowed Florida to storm back and take the lead. Last week in Lexington Vanderbilt marched down the field in the first quarter and scored a TD to take an early lead. Again, Vanderbilt allowed the opponent to take the lead and Vanderbilt went on to lose. The Commodore players and staff need to find a way to keep the lead or if it is lost, find a way to get the momentum back. This is about coaches being innovative and players making winning plays.
Roll the dice
Arkansas is better than its record indicates. If Vandy allows the Razorbacks to hang around for four quarters the Commodores likely lose again. Vandy needs to seize momentum by going for it on fourth down, running a fake field goal, fake punt or trick play. Rolling the dice can help create momentum for the ‘Dores while breaking the spirit of the Razorbacks.
Offense and defense shine
It’s very difficult to win on the road in the SEC. If Kyle Shurmur can have a big day passing along with the Commodore running game clicking the ‘Dores will likely win. However, if the defense doesn’t show up then all that is negated. Vandy needs solid effort in every facet of the game, and that includes special teams and, lastly, coaching. Running the same play up the middle that just got stuffed against one of America’s best defenses is just mind boggling.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 11 am CT and can be seen on the SEC Network.
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