In its last game before SEC play, Vanderbilt suffered its first loss of 2024, falling 36-32 at the hands of Georgia State. The Commodores ultimately fell short despite a touchdown from running back AJ Newberry that put them up with just over a minute remaining. After earning this late lead, Vanderbilt allowed a touchdown with just 15 seconds remaining that would ultimately hand the Panthers the win.
The Commodores will need to reestablish the same energy they had during their first two weeks if they want any chance of competing with Missouri. Lea cited the team’s lack of focus in the week leading up to the game as a contributing factor to the loss.
“I think at the end of the day, the message after the game is that when we’re undisciplined off the field, as we were this week, we play an undisciplined game on the field. It’s a strong correlation [between] that and reinforcing this message,” Lea said. “We’re a team that’s good enough to win every game we play, but we’re not good enough to not play the game the right way.”
Lea also broke down the team’s approach to the four-man rush, one of the biggest struggles from this past weekend. He stated that while it was effective, it didn’t do enough to stop Georgia State’s quarterback Christian Veilleux from getting the ball off quickly and making big plays.
“I think [the] four-man rush is the right call,” Lea said. “The mixture of zones and zone leverages was right. I [also] think getting into some man [coverage] was a good thing.”
Lea — who also serves as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator — took responsibility for the lackluster defensive performance, restating that there was a strong relationship between the team’s focus and preparation during the week and their on-field execution.
“When we’re undisciplined off the field, as we were this week, we play an undisciplined game on the field, and it’s drawing a correlation to that,” Lea said.
Vanderbilt will have to continue familiarizing itself with defensive plays if it wants to compete in the SEC this season. Lea harped on the idea of defensive instinct playing an important role in Vanderbilt’s success in limiting offenses.
“The best plays happen when the players have [instincts] embedded within them, and they are out there playing to their instincts rather than thinking about where they need to line up,” Lea said.
Lea also expressed his hopes that the SEC will work towards finding a balance between player safety and penalties. He noted that both the team and the SEC should continue to evaluate the rules around player safety while also allowing defenses to be aggressive and play the game.
“We have to toe the line really well because we cannot stop being aggressive defensively,” Lea said. “It’s just getting harder and harder to play defense.”
Lea was also asked about the availability of Khordae Sydnor and Zaylin Wood, two players who have suffered injuries this season. Lea is optimistic about Sydnor’s availability but not as confident about Wood. He also touched on Tight End Eli Stowers’ availability and the injury he suffered this weekend.
“Khordae [Sydnor], he’s going to be working back in this week; he’s questionable for the game,” Lea said. “Zaylin [Wood] probably won’t be available. [Eli Stowers] is working towards being available. He didn’t practice today, but as long as he gets to feeling better, [he can] be available.”
Lea expressed excitement about the team’s upcoming game and the importance of turning the page, acknowledging that the loss was a wake-up call. He stated that his group feels optimistic about their looming matchups with the Tigers.
“[Missouri is a] great challenge [and] opportunity for us,” Lea said. “There’s a lot to like about this Missouri team. They’re really good on offense, and they have been for a few years. They’re a really good defense, solid on special teams.”
The Commodores will hit the road for their SEC opener, facing off against Missouri at 3:15 p.m. CDT on Sept. 21st at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo.
