Vanderbilt has shown a lot of promise this season in the running game (Ralph Webb 1,003 rushing yards in 11 games) and on defense (18.1 points allowed per game).

One lingering issue? Quarterback.

With fewer than 45 net passing yards in three of their past four games, Vanderbilt’s aerial attack hasn’t put them in position to win consistently.

Last week the Commodores gave 4-star freshman QB Kyle Shurmur a second consecutive start, but after just 12 passes Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason removed him for the team’s season-long starter Johnny McCrary in a 22-0 game.

Out of bowl contention and with the season nearly over, Mason should leave Shurmur as the team’s No. 1 QB and begin preparation for 2016.

The Aggies nearly had as many passing yards on their first play as the Commodores did all game. It’s been a season-long issue that has impacted its ability to compete in the SEC. In their five SEC losses, Vanderbilt scored 47 points.

The offensive attack just isn’t there for the Commodores and though the problems won’t stop with Shurmur — he’s just 29 of 69 for 294 yards, with 2 TDs, 2 INTs — the team needs to rally behind their quarterback of the future.

Unless 2016 commit Deuce Wallace can take control of the quarterback starting spot from the moment he arrives, it looks like Shurmur will be the starter. McCrary has thrown twice as many interceptions, 12, as touchdowns, 6.

Vanderbilt fans are ready to see what Shurmur can do.

“I think (Kyle) is a great player,” Commodores center Spencer Pulley told USAToday earlier in the week. “That’s the reason he steps on the field. He’s a very confident player, has a lot of skill, has a lot of leadership ability and that’s what you see out on the field every week.”

Mason needs to stop switching stick with Shurmur at quarterback — against Tennessee and beyond.