Vanderbilt is second-to-last in the SEC in rushing defense, something that’s become a bigger problem in recent weeks, and that Derek Mason is well aware of that entering this week’s game at Kentucky.

The Vanderbilt coach expressed concern about that on Wednesday on the SEC Media Teleconference as he labeled it an area that needs improvement.

“Everything starts with stopping the run,” he said. “We have had a hard time with that, we aren’t conceding the pass game, but if we allow this team to run on us, they will bleed the clock on us.”

Vanderbilt gave up 292 rushing yards to Florida last week, and 219 the week before against Georgia, as it allowed two touchdowns in each game. This was after the Commodores yielded 273 yards and three touchdowns against South Carolina.

Improving those numbers is a tall order with Benny Snell Jr. on the other side.

“He’s different, he reminds me of Nick Chubb,” Mason said of the former Georgia running back. “He’s deceptively fast, he can get through the holes on the line, he can run through you or around you … he is durable and you feel his presence by the end of the game.”

Asked about Kentucky’s biggest area of improvement that’s led to the Wildcats successful start, Mason said it was recruiting.

“I think they are a better team,” he said. “On defensive the line, the defensive line gives them a chance to get into third and long … on the offensive line, they have grown up and matured … you are talking about a team that’s better on the trenches.”

Mason also said UK’s secondary is playing really well right now.

“When you keep the ball in front of you, have chances to get interceptions,” he said. “The idea of being physical on the corner as well as attacking, getting guys behind the chains, they are fun to watch.”