Injured & MIA's a concern going into Alabama game

[BrentVU]

Vandy got starting center Julian Hernandez back for NIU, but there were three new injuries to starters that appeared significant: LG Ben Cox started but left early and didn't return; RG Xavier Delfin Castillo (who had been filling in for Hernandez) was held out for an injury that evidently happened last week; and NB and captain Jaylen Mahoney, the secondary's best tackler, left the game with what appeared to be an arm or shoulder injury and didn't return.

Meanwhile neither RB Rocko Griffin nor WR Quincy Skinner was able to return last week as hoped. DL Devin Lee was able to play in his first game of the season, but only for a few snaps. DL Daevion Davis has not played yet and whether he can play at all this season seems to be in question. DL Miles Capers is out for the season. DL Brayden Bapst hasn't played yet.

Then there are the guys that are mysteriously "not available", possibly due to something that happened in Hawaii... RB Patrick Smith missed his fourth game, as did DB Trudell Berry, DB Gumbo Gaskins, and WR Daveon Walker. The last three are true freshmen, but they were all in good standing and expected to contribute through fall camp, but they've been MIA. And of course, two other true freshmen have been dismissed.

Remarkably, the team played well Saturday despite missing all these guys. The offensive line looked especially good. Vandy has eight O-linemen that it feels good about, and all of them have had to play. Gage Pitchford and Junior Uzebu got the call Saturday, and Jacob Brammer has been a godsend at right tackle. But this makeshift group will have to hold off Will Anderson & Co. this Saturday. Ja'Dais Richard and John Howse filled in capably for Mahoney, but this week they'll be going against Heisman winner Bryce Young and a stable of elite receivers.

One wonders when the "not available" guys will be allowed back. And one wonders how much better this team could be if everyone suddenly got healthy.

[Nashmann]

Ok...does Patrick Smith finally get to play? Will Rock be back? What happened to Ziegler?

[BrentVU]

Ok...does Patrick Smith finally get to play? Will Rock be back? What happened to Ziegler?

Ziglor entered the transfer portal in July and is not on the team. Dylan Betts-Pauley has not played yet this season, but that might be a coach's decision.

[AuricGoldfinger]

I can't remember a recent season with as many players injured or missing games for non-injury reasons.

[BrentVU]

It really is remarkable how many members of last year's recruiting class have already had a big impact. Jayden McGowan and A.J. Swann are already stars, and Chase Gillespie has been the No. 2 RB for three games. On defense Darren Agu is getting lots of PT and has a sack; B.J. Diakite and Bradley Mann are also filling in for Capers; Steven Sannienola gets PT as Max Worship's backup; Ja'Dais Richard had a big pass breakup Saturday filling in for Mahoney. Yilanon Ouattara is going to be a star in time, but still has some learning to do.

Several transfers have also contributed immediately including P Matt Hayball, OL Jacob Brammer, DL Myles Cecil, CB Jeremy Lucien, and RB Cooper Lutz on special teams.

Vandy has needed every one of them.

[Showingold]

Don’t forget that WR Gamarion Carter has also been out (IIRC), and should help upon his return.

[BrentVU]

Sports Editor Bryce Smith of The Hustler reports that "Patrick Smith and Trudell Berry both figure to be back from suspension for the [Alabama] contest." Not sure if Bryce knows something or not-- Smith's absence has never been reported as a suspension to my knowledge-- but he might.

https://vanderbilthustler.com/2022/09/1 ... the-guard/

[AuricGoldfinger]

Sports Editor Bryce Smith of The Hustler reports that "Patrick Smith and Trudell Berry both figure to be back from suspension for the [Alabama] contest." Not sure if Bryce knows something or not-- Smith's absence has never been reported as a suspension to my knowledge-- but he might.

https://vanderbilthustler.com/2022/09/1 ... the-guard/

Looks like Smith will indeed be back this week (I'm guessing, since this is what I usually post after I return from a long absence at work, too):

[tweet][/tweet]

[commadore]

Great. Welcome back and welcome to Tuscaloosa.