As Vanderbilt all but wrapped up its preseason camp Saturday, the Commodores let it be known they have at least one motivation: A USA Today poll that ranked them No. 113, and quarterback Kyle Shurmur last in the SEC.

“With that USA Today article, we’re mad,” coach Derek Mason said after the Saturday scrimmage, the Tennessean reported. “We’ve got a chip on our shoulder — offensively, defensively, special teams. That’s a slap in the face and a kick in the mouth.”

It added some spice to a preseason that has largely been marked by optimism for more weapons on offense, and confidence that the defense could carry the team to a bowl after a two-year absence.

Veteran offensive lineman Andrew Jelks suffered a season-ending knee injury for the second straight season. It leaves the Commodores facing another patchwork situation after three players started at right tackle in 2015.

Here’s where things stand as Vandy turns its attention to South Carolina, which it will host on Thursday, Sept. 1.

What’s been solved?

1. No questions about offensive identity: Ralph Webb, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, will continue to be the focal point of the offense, but Vanderbilt will have more depth in the backfield. Khari Blasingame and Dallas Rivers are expected to get a bulk of the snaps to take some burden off Webb, who is on pace to become Vandy’s career rushing leader.

The Commodores need much more from the passing game in 2016, but don’t expect them to revamp the playbook. Webb is their best player and one of the SEC’s top running backs.

2. A big target returns: Tight end Jared Pinkney, who broke his collarbone in the season opener last year, is back and up to 255 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame. Second-year offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is expected to expand the role of tight ends, including Pinkney, DeAndre Woods and Nathan Marcus.

3. O-line rotation reset: Following Jelks’ injury, the offensive line appears to be stabilized after it had to make similar adjustments a year ago.

Right tackle Will Holden will move back to left tackle, while fifth-year senior Barrett Gouger is slated for center, Jared Southers, who started early last season, at right tackle, though that could be swapped with Justin Skule, and Delando Crooks and Bailey Granier at the guards.

While the O-line did some mixing and matching last season, it’s a top priority to get it ironed out for new position coach Cameron Norcross.

What are the lingering issues?

1. Is Shurmur capable? If questions about Shurmur weren’t there already, the USA Today dust up yanked the Band-Aid off.

Vandy’s passing game has struggled on Mason’s watch. Their quarterbacks threw 19 interceptions in 2014 and 16 last season. Those most responsible are gone, and Shurmur put up a 5-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio last season.

But Webb, in particular, needs help. To be fair, Shurmur won’t answer any of these questions until at least midseason.

2. Can the coaching staff take the next step? Mason proved once again he’s arguably the SEC’s best defensive mind by returning to take the reigns last year, and Ludwig appeared to get the most out of Webb.

But as the league adjusts, will they be able to counter? By all indications, there are more offensive weapons, and a more complex playbook.

“Our offense has given (our defense) all we can handle (in practice),” Mason told The Tennessean. “… This offense is in a good place, as good as it’s been since I’ve been here.”

3. Figuring out special teams: Special teams is another area with a new coach in Jeff Genyk, and Vanderbilt also has a new punter, likely Sam Loy, after Tommy Openshaw was moved to focus solely on kicking.

The Commodores ranked No. 98 in kickoff return average last season as return man Darrius Sims slipped to 19.9 yards per return.