Vanderbilt will be hosting arguably the biggest home game in recent history with No. 1 Alabama coming to Nashville and CBS televising the game to a nationwide audience.

While the Crimson Tide are known for having some of the best defenses in the SEC, it’s actually the Commodores that enter this matchup with the better defense — statistically speaking.

During his appearance on the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference, Derek Mason talked about the matchup. Here’s a summary of what was said during the call:

  • This team is coming off a good win over Kansas State. This team is excited about our opportunity against Alabama. For the most part, we’ve continued to clean up the things that are weaknesses in things we do.
  • Vandy is leading the nation in scoring defense, what the key there? We don’t really talk about stats, we talk about the standard we set for ourselves. We have to make sure we have focus, discipline, and finish. That’s what we will be known for when the season is done.
  • How excited are you about this game? It’s a great opportunity for our program and our city. We haven’t hosted Alabama in 10 years, I believe. They will get our best just like they get everyone’s best.
  • What’s the difference in the pass rush? We have better pass rushers than we had a year ago. Some of it is age and experience, some of it is youth. It looks different, we do a lot to create
  • What’s the difference in getting more interceptions: We missed double-digit opportunities last season. We are taking advantage of those opportunities this year. A different mindset in 2017. We have a turnover goal each and every week. The way we practice is the way we play.
  • What’s the difference in C.J. Duncan this year? That dude is one of the leaders of the offense. At the WR position group, he’s the glue. He’s a dawg, he loves to compete, doesn’t back down from anything. He needs to continue that trend if we have any chance to beat Alabama.
  • Has your team been caught up in the hype this week? We’ve always been shielded from the hype because there’s never been much of it. I stay off social media and off the blogs, I just try to worry about these kids. They have bought into that.