Vanderbilt Football is officially back. After one of the most chaotic offseasons in the program’s history, the 2024 season is finally here. While too much changed to go over comprehensively, a few relevant points regarding the team’s structure seem salient.
The Commodore offense is now run by offensive coordinator Tim Beck and Special Assistant Jerry Kill, two legendary coaches from perennial overachiever New Mexico State. New starters include quarterback Diego Pavia and tight end Eli Stowers, both of whom are transfers from NMSU.
On the defensive side of the ball, Vanderbilt is now run by head coach Clark Lea, who is taking over as defensive play-caller. Lea utilized the portal to build around returners Langston Patterson, CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright on defense.
Up first on the Commodores schedule is Virginia Tech. It enters this season with a veteran squad and as a dark horse contender to make the newly expanded College Football Playoff. Led by dynamic quarterback Kyron Drones, the Hokies represent a formidable matchup for Vanderbilt. For the Commodores to pull off the upset, these three matchups must swing their way.
1. Diego Pavia and Sedrick Alexander vs. Virginia Tech’s rushing defense
Virginia Tech has returned most of its contributors to the 2023 ACC’s second-best defense. The Hokie defense is led by star defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland, along with a veteran crew of linebackers and defensive backs. However, one stat from last year showcases a weakness of the Hokies. When Virginia Tech held its opponents under 140 rushing yards, it went 6-0. On the other hand, in games when their opponent surpassed that threshold, the Hokies went 1-6.
Enter a brand-new style of Commodore offense that is sure to revolve around the ground game. At NMSU, Beck and Kill ran a highly successful option running scheme that allowed scrambling quarterbacks and dynamic running backs to flourish. Pavia is the perfect QB to execute the system, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and is a tough-as-nails runner who fights for every yard. His partner-in-crime, Alexander, had some promising flashes as a first-year and will strive for more consistency this season. If those two stay ahead of the chains, Beck’s offense is in business.
2. Kyron Drones’ dual-threat skillset vs. Vanderbilt’s new-look pass rush
Led by former defensive coordinator Nick Howell, Vanderbilt’s defense was subpar last year, and the issues started with a complete lack of a pass rush. Without this pressure opposing quarterbacks could conduct their offenses at will. Vanderbilt set out to fix this issue in the portal, securing potential X-factors in Purdue’s Khordae Syndor and MTSU’s Zaylin Wood. This crew has been working together throughout training camp and is expected to make a lasting first impression on the West End faithful.
Vanderbilt certainly needs its new additions and new scheme to make an immediate impact, as Drones is one of the country’s most dangerous playmakers. He is built like a linebacker with top-line speed while boasting a remarkably low turnover rate — he posted 17 passing touchdowns to just 3 interceptions last year. If the Commodores give him time to operate, Drones will pick their secondary apart. If the Commodores fail to keep him in the pocket, he could break triple-digit yardage on the ground. Thus lies the difficult task for Syndor and co., as they must put pressure on Drones while also containing him. It’s a tough ask, but this simply needs to happen if Vanderbilt wants to pull off the upset.
3. Vanderbilt’s defense vs. third down stops
Last year, Vanderbilt allowed teams to convert at a rate of 47% on third downs, a concerningly high number that ranked 127th in the country. Even when the Commodores played well on defense, it felt like a penalty or blown assignment always emerged to keep their opponent’s drive alive. Quite simply, if the Black and Gold can’t get off the field, it won’t win football games.
Lea hopes this iteration of his defense will be far better on third down. The presence of Patterson, Taylor and Wright is sure to help, as they are all experienced leaders of the team. Additionally, Vanderbilt needs more explosive plays on defense — sacks, tackles-for-loss and offensive penalties are a defense’s best friend. After all, it’s far easier to stop a third-and-15 than a third-and-1.
Commodore fans should be excited about this game. Vanderbilt’s revamped team — especially the defense — has a lot of positive vibes coming out of camp, and there is true optimism that the page is fully turned from last year. The home opener against Virginia Tech is quite the benchmark, as the Hokies are a fearsome team. However, if Vanderbilt can win the three matchups above, it will start this season 1-0.
Vanderbilt will take on Virginia Tech on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. CDT in the newly renovated FirstBank Stadium.
