Here are some quick thoughts on Vanderbilt’s 21-17 win over Kentucky:

What it means: Vanderbilt improves to 4-6, 2-4 in the SEC. Technically, it keeps the Commodores’ slim bowl hopes alive. In reality, the win just by itself means enough to a Vandy team that gave a valiant effort against Florida only to come up short 9-7 in what would’ve been its biggest triumph of the season.

What I liked: The way the ‘Dores closed the doors on the ‘Cats. Of course, Vanderbilt came out and played defense like it usually does, but it also did enough on offense (301 total yards of offense) and especially late to pull out the win over the Wildcats. The Commodores controlled the ball for about the last 5:30 of the contest (with the exception of the last 10 seconds), and that’s got to be a good feeling for Derek Mason’s squad.

Yes, the defense played great, but that’s become the norm in Nashville. Vanderbilt had 7 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions while holding Kentucky to just 4-for-16 on third downs. However, true freshman QB Kyle Shurmur put up the kind of efficient stat line (13-for-26, 166 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) that the coaching staff would take every single game if it could.

What I didn’t like: Kentucky can’t settle on whether junior Patrick Towles should be the man under center or not. That indecision is hurting the team. Towles went 10-for-26 for 67 yards and an interception. Redshirt freshman Drew Barker went 5-for-8 for 60 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Neither QB was productive, but not giving either signal-caller a chance to get in a rhythm won’t help either. Now, Kentucky has lost five straight after starting the season 4-1.

Who’s the man: Redshirt sophomore safety Oren Burks had 2 interceptions on the day (both in the second quarter), the second of which was a big turning point. More on that below. His first came after Vandy’s Darrius Sims muffed a punt, and Kentucky took over 3 yards away from the end zone. However, Burks picked Towles off in the end zone two plays later.

Key play: Burks’ 30-yard pick-six later in the second quarter put Vanderbilt up 14-10, and the Commodores wouldn’t trail the rest of the game.

What’s next: Vanderbilt hosts Texas A&M before visiting in-state rival Tennessee in the final regular season game.