Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Stephen Rivers (17) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Temple Owls defensive lineman Avery Ellis (52) during the first half against the Temple Owls at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
14. Vanderbilt
Pre-Season Ranking: 13
Last Week: Lost 38-7 to Vanderbilt
The Good: Not much. After a weather-delayed start, Vanderbilt stumbled and struggled through the first game of the Derek Mason era. The brightest spot on offense for the Commodores was Ralph Webb, who gained 70 rushing yards on 14 carries.
The Bad: New head coach Derek Mason played three quarterbacks in his first game as a head coach, and not because injury was an issue. After Patton Robinette started (and completed four of six passes), he was pulled and never re-entered. Stephen Rivers saw the bulk of the duty behind center and attempted 25 passes for the ‘Dores, but failed to complete 50% of them and was intercepted once. Johnny McCrary had one of the worst performances in the history of college football in his short performance: 0-for-3 with two interceptions.
The Ugly: Vanderbilt had seven turnovers in the loss to Temple. The Commodores lost four fumbles and were intercepted three times. Once the dust settled Thursday, Vandy was not only the lone SEC team to lose a non-conference game, the ‘Dores lost by 30 points to a team from the American Athletic Conference that was 2-10 last season. Ouch.
Next Week: vs. Ole Miss (LP Field)