The Vanderbilt Commodres have been without the services of starting quarterback Patton Robinette since the second quarter of Week 4. Robinette suffered a concussion on a touchdown drive against South Carolina that gave the Commodores a 14-0 lead. However, the sophomore was immediately pulled from the game and never returned, as Vanderbilt fell 48-34.

It’s been a tough year for the Commodores. After back-to-back nine-win seasons, Vanderbilt finds itself in a position to miss its first bowl game since 2010. While Robinette has struggled to stay healthy, the Commodores other quarterbacks have struggled to see production. Vanderbilt has played four different quarterbacks this season, including freshman Wade Freebeck, who burned his redshirt by starting against UMass in Week 3.

Here’s how Vanderbilt’s quarterbacks have fared this season:

Rk Player Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A AY/A TD Int Rate
1 Wade Freebeck 29 65 44.6 356 5.5 2.3 1 5 80.3
2 Stephen Rivers 25 63 39.7 334 5.3 3.2 0 3 74.7
3 Patton Robinette 23 32 71.9 240 7.5 8.8 2 0 155.5
4 Johnny McCrary 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 -30.0 0 2 -133.3

As you can see, Robinette is the most consistent option at quarterback. He is the only player with more touchdowns that interceptions and was vital in Vanderbilt’s only win of the season. After Freebeck struggled in his first start, Robinette entered the game against UMass and rallied the Commodores to a 34-31 victory.

Robinette looked to continue his success the following week against the Gamecocks and played well before exiting the game. He also has the most experience of any Vanderbilt quarterback, starting in 10 games as a true freshman in 2013. Though he faced a learning curve, Robinette managed to score 11 touchdowns (seven rushing, four passing) and lead the Commodores to a BBVA Compass Bowl win.

For Vanderbilt to pose any threat to SEC competition, Robinette will need to make a full recovery and reclaim his role as the team’s starting quarterback. The Commodores have several areas that need improvement, with quarterback being one of the most glaring. Robinette’s return should improve Vanderbilt’s offense and provide a solid option under center.