Following a sloppy 24-14 win over Ball State, Vanderbilt received a midseason top-25 AP poll ranking for the first time since 2008. The No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores (5-2, 2-1) have undergone a completely transformative season; impressive wins against then-No.1 Alabama, Virginia Tech and Kentucky have thoroughly altered the national perception of Vanderbilt Football. The Commodores are undefeated at home this season (4-0) but will face their arguably toughest test yet — No. 5 Texas — this Saturday.
These are some angry Longhorns, as Texas suffered a momentum-halting 30-15 home loss to then-No. 5 Georgia. In the most-hyped regular season matchup of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s tenure, the previously top-ranked Longhorns fell flat on their face. Quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning combined for three first-half turnovers, Texas’s vaunted running game averaged 1 yard per carry, and even a bizarre referee decision couldn’t turn the tide.
The Hustler went behind enemy bylines with Evan Vieth, Sports Editor of the Daily Texan, to preview this weekend’s matchup.
Vanderbilt Hustler: Texas is coming off of quite a demoralizing loss. What’s the mood on campus following such a letdown?
Evan Vieth: It was very weird because of how big the game was. Everyone the next day was exhausted, but it was certainly solemn the night of the game. Once everyone recovered, the mentality is now that it’s on to Vanderbilt. We went from ‘We can play with anyone’ to ‘We’re a little more vulnerable’ to ‘Let’s keep going and win the rest of our games.’
VH: Following a subpar offensive performance, do you anticipate a big shift in offensive play calling and philosophy?
EV: I don’t think [coach] Sarkisian has to change it up. With due respect to other defenses, we won’t face a defense like Georgia until the College Football Playoffs. Instead, it’s on the guys to step it up. The offensive line needed this wake-up call. [Quinn] Ewers needs to be better. The wide receivers have struggled to create separation outside of lay-up plays such as RPOs and screens. Sark recruits speed over skill, but they need to start getting open. Hopefully, [the loss to Georgia] served as a spark, as this team should put up at least 30 on Vanderbilt.
VH: What is Texas’s X-factor this weekend?
EV: The running game. We lost running back CJ Baxter to injury, so it’s a split between running backs [Quintrevion] Wisner and [Jaydon] Blue. Blue didn’t get a single carry on Saturday, which was odd. We need to establish the run game and get both guys touches, along with a potential wild card in promising freshman running back Jerry Gipson. All three should be in the mix, as the run game needs to be strong.
VH: What part of Vanderbilt’s squad is the most worrying?
EV: It just has to be Diego Pavia. In my opinion, he’s the best quarterback we play this year, and that includes Carson Beck. Pavia does things that no one else in college football does — he will look crazy and wacky in the backfield and somehow gain 20 yards. Texas is very thin at safety, so if they cheat too far down, there will be space over the top.
VH: How do you think Texas will counter this ‘Pavia magic?’
EV: [By utilizing] linebacker Anthony Hill, who is downright incredible. He’s a true sophomore and a freak athlete, but he’s still always there early, getting reps in and continually getting better. He’s really good when quarterbacks are off-schedule, as he’s an amazing quarterback spy. He plays the WILL role, so he is truly all over the field. He’s a complete player and is terrifying to go up against.
VH: I feel like I’m obligated to ask this question — what are the odds that we see a quarterback change from Ewers to Manning this weekend?
EV: If you asked me a week ago, I would have said impossible. [But now] it’s definitely a possibility. If Manning comes in this week, he will not come back out. I don’t think that it will happen, as last week was such an unusually bad start for Texas. Ewers needs the run and screen games, but those will likely get back on track this week. If not, we’re in trouble.
VH: Finally, what’s your score prediction for the game?
EV: I’m going to go with 23-13 Texas. I think that we will kick lots of field goals, but I have faith in the extremely solid Texas defense.
The No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores take on No. 5 Texas at FirstBank Stadium at 3:15 CDT this Saturday, Oct. 26.
