What’s the temperature like for Vanderbilt in Nashville? We analyze several areas where the Commodores are hot or cold.

SIZZLING

Ralph Webb has been the most consistent player on Vanderbilt’s offense this season. With all the turmoil at quarterback, Webb has provided the Commodores with a solid option in the backfield through four games and leads with 378 rushing yards on 77 attempts. The redshirt freshman recorded 97 yards on 19 carries in Vanderbilt’s 48-34 loss to South Carolina on Saturday. Webb will continue to see the majority of carries as the Commodores’ feature back.

HEATING UP

Darrius Sims was a one-man show for Vanderbilt against South Carolina on Saturday. Sims finished with 217 yards and two touchdowns on three kickoff returns. He opened the game with a 91-yard return and added a 100-yarder in the third quarter. Sims single-handedly kept Vanderbilt in the game before South Carolina outscored the Commodores 24-13 for the remainder of the contest.

COLD

Jerron Seymour was Vanderbilt’s leading rusher last season with 716 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, injuries kept the running back out of the Commodores’ first two games and Seymour has yet to see a memorable  performance since returning in Week 3. With the emergence of freshman Ralph Webb, Seymour has become a second option in the Commodores’ run game and will likely see a meager share of carries moving forward.

FREEZING

Vanderbilt’s turnover margin. The Commodores have turned the ball over 11 times this season and have forced five. Oddly enough, most of Vandy’s first few scores were off turnovers, including a fumble return by Oren Burks to give the Commodores their only score of a 37-7 opening game blowout to Temple. Vanderbilt must cut down on offensive lapses in order to turn around its season. The Commodores will need to play efficiently this weekend as they face an improved Kentucky team in Lexington.