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 Vandy’s offense this season. With all the turmoil at quarterback, Webb has provided the Commodores with a solid option in the backfield through three games and leads with 281 rushing yards on 58 attempts. The redshirt freshman saw a career-best 116 yards and his first career touchdown in the Commodores’ 34-31 win over UMass on Saturday. For Vandy to pose as any threat, Webb will need to be the focal point of their dire offense moving forward.

LUKE WARM

Patton Robinette. The game of quarterback roulette played by head coach Derek Mason has done little favors for his new team, especially considering Robinette, who kicked off the season as the starter, is clearly the best option. Mason burned a redshirt to start Wade Freebeck on Saturday before Robinette entered and threw for 147 yards and a touchdown on 15-of-21 passing and rushed for 35 yards and a score on six attempts. Even still, Mason is considering using a two-quarterback system in Saturday’s game against heavily-favored South Carolina. The best bet for the Commodores is to stick with Robinette.

STARTING TO COOL OFF

Derek Mason’s hot seat. With a victory, Derek Mason avoids a 0-12 season. Most coaches get a free pass in year one and Mason should have more leeway without the threat of a winless season hanging over his head. This isn’t to say that Mason is any more popular among Vandy fans, or that websites such as FireDerekMason.com have ceased to exist, but it does bring some positivity to what seemed to be a lost cause.

SUB ZERO

How hot Vandy will look against South Carolina, or for that matter, has looked this season. The Commodores have struggled, which is putting it lightly. An opening loss at Temple, a blowout against Ole Miss and a needed comeback against UMass are a far cry from the back-to-back nine win teams led by James Franklin. Facing an SEC schedule will be a difficult task for the Commodores and do the team no favors as they look to bounce back from a coaching change and several key departures.