I thought Vanderbilt was the better team, but that doesn't always mean the better team always wins. Here are some of the positives and negatives from the game.
Positives
1. With the exception of not forcing a turnover, Vanderbilt defended Western Kentucky about as well as possible. If you were told that Western Kentucky would only score 14 points with 247 yards of offense on 52 plays before the game, everyone would have picked Vanderbilt to win the game. The defense flew around, and there is a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball. Vanderbilt's defense consistently changed their looks, and they were able to get Doughty out of rhythm. There is a lot of speed on that side of the ball, and they played with a lot of energy throughout the night.
2. Vanderbilt moved the ball well at times, but they were unable to score in the red zone. I'll get to that in the negatives, but Vanderbilt did spread the ball around well. Nine different receivers made catches, and Johnny made some plays with his feet. I know people are down on McCrary (and rightfully so) but he made some plays with his feet that other QB's on the roster couldn't make. With the struggles up front, his mobility is a huge plus.
3. Trent Sherfield showed up in the second half. He wasn't given many opportunities in the first half, but he made the most of his chances in the second half. Sherfield has the tools to be a solid SEC wide receiver, and Vanderbilt will likely find more ways to get the ball in his hands.
4. For a Thursday night game against Western Kentucky, I thought the crowd was good, and they were into the game for the most part.
Negatives
1. The offense doesn't have the talent to overcome turnovers and penalties. Vanderbilt didn't play smart, and it cost them. Johnny McCrary threw two bad picks, which cost them points. Vanderbilt also had some penalties in the first half that made it tough.
2. We've talked about Vanderbilt needing a vertical threat in the passing game, and there wasn't one last night. Western Kentucky continually pressed on the outside with safeties in the box, and Vanderbilt could not take advantage. No one on Vanderbilt's roster scares defenses, and the extra guys in the box make it tough on the offensive line to open holes.
3. I think everyone could see that the Jelks injury had a major effect on the offense. The tackle position struggled at times last night, and Johnny's mobility allowed him to escape some pressure. I think there could be some more shuffling up front throughout the season.
4. Vanderbilt must take advantage of opportunities. There are always 2-3 plays that determine the outcome of a football game. The missed field goal, two interceptions, dropped touchdown, 3rd and one and Vanderbilt can't punch it in, etc. Vanderbilt's offense had the field position all night, and they couldn't take advantage. Western Kentucky's offense was visibly upset in the first half. If Vanderbilt could have found a way to go up 10-0, then I thought Vanderbilt would have the chance to blow the game open. That obviously didn't happen.
Overall
I think Vanderbilt is better than last year, but they were not able to make the plays that they have to make. Georgia is bringing in a good defense next week, and Vanderbilt must find a way to generate points. It was a tough loss last night.
Positives
1. With the exception of not forcing a turnover, Vanderbilt defended Western Kentucky about as well as possible. If you were told that Western Kentucky would only score 14 points with 247 yards of offense on 52 plays before the game, everyone would have picked Vanderbilt to win the game. The defense flew around, and there is a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball. Vanderbilt's defense consistently changed their looks, and they were able to get Doughty out of rhythm. There is a lot of speed on that side of the ball, and they played with a lot of energy throughout the night.
2. Vanderbilt moved the ball well at times, but they were unable to score in the red zone. I'll get to that in the negatives, but Vanderbilt did spread the ball around well. Nine different receivers made catches, and Johnny made some plays with his feet. I know people are down on McCrary (and rightfully so) but he made some plays with his feet that other QB's on the roster couldn't make. With the struggles up front, his mobility is a huge plus.
3. Trent Sherfield showed up in the second half. He wasn't given many opportunities in the first half, but he made the most of his chances in the second half. Sherfield has the tools to be a solid SEC wide receiver, and Vanderbilt will likely find more ways to get the ball in his hands.
4. For a Thursday night game against Western Kentucky, I thought the crowd was good, and they were into the game for the most part.
Negatives
1. The offense doesn't have the talent to overcome turnovers and penalties. Vanderbilt didn't play smart, and it cost them. Johnny McCrary threw two bad picks, which cost them points. Vanderbilt also had some penalties in the first half that made it tough.
2. We've talked about Vanderbilt needing a vertical threat in the passing game, and there wasn't one last night. Western Kentucky continually pressed on the outside with safeties in the box, and Vanderbilt could not take advantage. No one on Vanderbilt's roster scares defenses, and the extra guys in the box make it tough on the offensive line to open holes.
3. I think everyone could see that the Jelks injury had a major effect on the offense. The tackle position struggled at times last night, and Johnny's mobility allowed him to escape some pressure. I think there could be some more shuffling up front throughout the season.
4. Vanderbilt must take advantage of opportunities. There are always 2-3 plays that determine the outcome of a football game. The missed field goal, two interceptions, dropped touchdown, 3rd and one and Vanderbilt can't punch it in, etc. Vanderbilt's offense had the field position all night, and they couldn't take advantage. Western Kentucky's offense was visibly upset in the first half. If Vanderbilt could have found a way to go up 10-0, then I thought Vanderbilt would have the chance to blow the game open. That obviously didn't happen.
Overall
I think Vanderbilt is better than last year, but they were not able to make the plays that they have to make. Georgia is bringing in a good defense next week, and Vanderbilt must find a way to generate points. It was a tough loss last night.
