Lessons in Vanderbilt Football: Georgia

Recap: Georgia Bulldogs vs Vanderbilt Commodores

Let’s take a trip back to October 14th, when the Georgia Bulldogs faced off against the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville. This game was supposed to be a blowout, but the Dores had other plans. They struck first and created a turnover on Georgia’s opening drive. However, a missed field goal followed by a Bulldog touchdown quickly shifted the momentum back in Georgia’s favor. Despite that, Vanderbilt fought hard and managed to keep the game competitive. Georgia had a 10-point surge in the final 4 minutes of the first half, but the Dores didn’t give up. They cut the lead to 13 and even had a chance to make it a 10-point game late in the game. In the end, Georgia scored again and won by 17 points. Considering the quality of the opponent, it was the best game Vanderbilt had played all season, which only made their previous struggles more frustrating.

Key Takeaways

• Ken Seals proves he deserves to be the starting quarterback with his decision-making and ability to run Vanderbilt’s offense effectively.
• The offensive playcalling against Georgia was the best it had been all year, with Seals throwing for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Vanderbilt’s defense improved with better game planning and closer coverage on intermediate throws.
• The team still faced challenges, including injuries to key players like De’Rickey Wright and Martel Hight.

Lessons Learned

Ken Seals has solidified his position as the starting quarterback. While AJ Swann may have more raw arm talent, Seals consistently makes better decisions and leads the offense effectively. The offensive playcalling against Georgia was highly effective, with Seals performing well despite some missed opportunities. However, Vanderbilt’s offense struggled in the second half due to limited possessions. On the defensive side, improvements were made in game planning and coverage, but injuries continued to pose challenges. Overall, Vanderbilt showed promise against tough opponents, but there is room for growth.

Coaching Critique

Vanderbilt’s coaching staff still has areas to address. Joey Lynch’s personnel decisions have been questionable, particularly his lack of utilization of wide receiver Will Sheppard. The offensive line has also faced criticism for their performance, particularly in pass protection. The defense has shown improvement, but there is still room for growth in game planning and execution. Overall, the coaching staff needs to put the players in positions to succeed and address their own approach to ensure better results.

Looking Ahead

With their bowl game hopes fading, Vanderbilt must focus on finishing the season strong and building momentum for the future. Making necessary changes during the bye week will be crucial, as the coaching staff needs to address their schemes, playcalling, and personnel usage. It’s important to put the players in positions to succeed and prioritize execution. Despite a disappointing start, there is still potential for improvement and a chance to restore faith in the coaching staff.

Final Thoughts

While the Vanderbilt Commodores haven’t had the season they were hoping for, their performance against Georgia showed promise. They must now carry that momentum forward and strive for a strong finish to the season. It remains to be seen whether Vanderbilt can regain their footing and overcome their early struggles. Only time will tell if this is a turning point or simply false hope. The team must focus on areas like offensive line improvement, generating pressure on defense, and making necessary adjustments to continue their growth.