Vanderbilt dropped its season opener in heartbreaking fashion, coming up one yard short on a two-point conversion attempt to tie the game in the final minute of a 14-12 loss to Western Kentucky.

Here is our post-game analysis:

5 major takeaways

  • The Vanderbilt defense was very good: Head coach Derek Mason showed he still “has it” as a defensive coordinator. The Commodores defense held Western Kentucky to just 46 yards of total offense in the first half and did not allow a score for nearly three quarters.
  • The Vanderbilt offense still has a ways to go: Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig’s debut was a mixed bag. His unit amassed nearly 400 total yards on Thursday, but had trouble scoring against a subpar Western Kentucky defense.
  • Johnny McCrary’s decision making was questionable: The newly crowned starting quarterback threw two back-breaking interceptions in the end zone, squandering two scoring chances deep in Western Kentucky territory.
  • Trent Sherfield answered the bell: With what appeared to be a lack of playmakers at the wide receiver position coming into the game, the sophomore stepped up to lead the Commodores with four catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.
  • Darrius Sims will be Vanderbilt’s Swiss army knife: The touted return man made his debut on offense after switching from defensive back in the spring. He received touches as a wide receiver, as a running back, through gadget plays and on kick returns.

5 noteworthy numbers

  • 244: Vanderbilt held Western Kentucky to just 244 total yards of offense. According to Adam Sparks, it was the Hilltoppers’ lowest output since a 2012 game against Alabama.
  • 9: The amount of points Vanderbilt scored on its five trips inside Western Kentucky’s 10-yard-line.
  • 30,307: The disappointing announced attendance number for a season opener at Vanderbilt. Upwards of 10,000 of those fans were wearing red and supporting the Hilltoppers.
  • 4: True freshmen that saw the field for Vanderbilt — LB Josh Smith, WR Jared Pinkney, OL Justin Skule and FB Kyle Anderton.
  • 102: The amount of yards that Western Kentucky TE Tyler Higbee amassed in his game-changing performance with a 65-yard reception to set up the first Hilltoppers touchdown and a nine-yard catch to score the second.

Unit Report Card

Offense: D+

The 385 yards of offense and 36:39 in time of possession were worthy of a higher score, but untimely turnovers and inability to convert long drives into points crushed this unit.

Defense: B+

This was an “A” effort until a couple of hiccups late in the game that allowed Western Kentucky to score just enough to win the game. Only real flaw here was a lack of turnovers.

Special Teams: C

Tommy Openshaw handed both the place kicking and punting duties. His 44 yard average on punts, three punts inside the 20 and 49-yard field goal were all nice, but he missed a chip-shot field goal that was ultimately the difference in the score. The return game was mediocre.

Quote that sums the game up best

Derek Mason: “In order to win, you have to come up big in big situations. Western Kentucky played big in big situations.”