The Vanderbilt Commodores (2-6, 0-5 SEC) have started four different quarterbacks this season. In total, the Commodores have seen 10 quarterback changes since their Week 1 loss to Temple, with several coming in the same game.

The most recent switch saw Johnny McCrary step in for Wade Freebeck during Vanderbilt’s Week 8 matchup with Charleston Southern. Freebeck suffered a finger injury and McCrary took over in the second quarter. The redshirt freshman ended the game with 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 10-of-16 passing, leading the Commodores to a 21-20 victory.

Following a Week 9 bye, Vanderbilt returned to action at Missouri last Saturday. McCrary, who made his first start of the season, threw for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 17-of-31 passing against a solid Tigers defense.

With two weeks of preparation, McCrary played far more efficient than his two interception, 0-for-3 passing appearance as a third-stringer in Week 1. The performance wasn’t overwhelming, but consistent enough to standout by comparison to Vanderbilt’s other quarterbacks.

Robinette, who missed the past month after suffering a concussion against South Carolina on Sept. 20, is the only other Commodores quarterback to have thrown multiple touchdowns and a completion percentage above 50 percent. Now that he’s been medically cleared, the Commodores once again have a decision to make at quarterback.

This time, head coach Derek Mason has what seems to be two capable candidates, rather than a forced hand of several poor choices.

“Johnny McCrary is the guy heading into this week,” Mason told the Tennessean. “We are just going to continue to let Patton get into game mode,” Mason said. “Patton is still our guy, but Johnny is coming off a great week and we’re going to let him go… So Johnny is the guy and we’ll get Patton ready to go.”

Even with Robinette back in the fold, McCrary has an opportunity to answer Vanderbilt’s season-long questions at the position. As the Commodores prepare for Old Dominion this weekend, McCrary should see a strong performance following another week of practice with the first team offense.

With three solid games under his belt, McCrary could complete the season as Vanderbilt’s only quarterback to see playing time, a theory that seemed unfathomable several weeks ago. His improved play will provide the Commodores with a solid option under center and stability moving forward.