Andy Ludwig is going to be a busy man.

Vanderbilt’s new offensive coordinator watched his quarterbacks combine to throw five interceptions and get “sacked” seven times in Saturday’s Black & Gold game. The offense failed to sustained drives, and the defense spent considerable time in the backfield.

The Commodores’ defense, or Black, “won” the game, 38-24, according to the modified scoring system.

“Our guys have got to make some plays for our quarterbacks,” coach Derek Mason said, referencing a number of dropped passes. “I thought our quarterbacks made some good throws. Receivers have got to make some plays for those guys.

“I saw guys making plays for their quarterbacks all spring. Today was just one of those days where we just couldn’t find our rhythm (on offense).”

White (the offense) scored just one touchdown, a 1-yard plunge by RB Ralph Webb. Coincidentally, the touchdown was set up by a Stephen Weatherly interception return to the 1-yard line late in the third quarter.

Patton Robinette started the game at quarterback, completing 6-of-12 for 65 yards and one interception, but at least two of his passes were dropped. Johnny McCrary’s first two drives ended in interceptions. McCrary completed 2-of-7 passes for 11 yards, overthrowing on a pair of deep balls.

Those two players have separated themselves at quarterback and will compete until the season opener (Sept. 5 vs. Western Kentucky), but Robinette is the team’s starter for now. Ludwig said Robinette needs to improve his deep ball, but the coach likes his accuracy on short and intermediate throws.

Taurean Ferguson, who started the last six games at cornerback last season as a redshirt freshman, intercepted two passes. Tre Herndon and Ja’karri Thomas made the other picks, while nickelback Emmanuel Smith made three of the team’s seven sacks.

“Outside, inside, I want guys to be playmakers,” Mason said. “You saw some guys make interceptions. You saw some sacks. You saw a couple of good pass rush moves. I thought our guys did a good job today, defensively, within the framework of what we asked them to do. We tackled pretty well today.”

Trent Scherfield — expected to be the team’s No. 1 receiver — caught four passes for 67 yards, while C.J. Duncan and Dallas Rivers also had productive days.

“Trent’s been extremely productive. He’s a dynamic player with the ball in his hand. He does a great job without the ball in his hand, which is an important part of this offense,” Ludwig said. “He’s a guy we’re counting on to make significant contributions in the passing game and in the running game as well, whether it’s downfield blocking or handling perimeter sweeps.”

Tight end Steven Scheu, spotted on the bench in a walking boot with crutches, is out until late summer due to a leg injury, as is offensive lineman Jake Bernstein.

Darrius Sims, converted from cornerback to running back this spring, will help Vanderbilt add some creativity and unpredictability to the offense, Ludwig said. Sims carried once for 16 yards Saturday. Ludwig said he didn’t want to “water him down to slow him down” with information and exotic plays at this point.

Vanderbilt’s coaches are allowed eight hours per week to work with the team through the end of the semester, all for conditioning and classroom work. The Commodores are trying to improve on a 3-9 season in 2014 and need the offense to come around between now and September.

Check out complete stats from the spring game here.