Matchup Breakdown: Vanderbilt defense looks to stop dual-threat Joshua Dobbs
By Jason Hall
Published:
Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs has exploded onto the college football scene in recent weeks. After starting in four forgettable games as a true freshman, Dobbs was scheduled to redshirt in 2014 prior to Justin Worley’s season-ending injury.
Since making his season debut, the sophomore has revamped an ailing Vols offense, leading the team to a potential postseason berth. Tennessee is one game shy of securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2010.
Dobbs has 985 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions on 85-of-136 passing. He’s rushed for 302 yards and four touchdowns on 70 attempts.
Dobbs has natural athletic ability, but his intelligence might be his best attribute. The Aerospace Engineering major graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and passed on several recruiting camps in order to focus on his studies, bringing a new meaning to the phrase “smart quarterback.”
Vanderbilt is no stranger to an academics-first mentality. However, Saturday’s game will be more difficult than any exam for the underdog Commodores. Tennessee enters as a 17-point favorite, despite Vanderbilt coming off back-to-back wins in the annual matchup.
The Commodores will focus on Dobbs in preparation for Saturday’s game. The elusive quarterback has the ability to take over a game through the air and on the ground. Dobbs has several talented receivers in Alton “Pig” Howard, Von Pearson, Jason Croom and Josh Malone.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, ranks No. 78 overall in total defense. The Commodores rush defense ranks No. 86 overall, while the pass defense ranks No. 67.
Vanderbilt will need a speedy recovery from injured linebacker Nigel Bowden, its leading tackler, to provide a threat to Tennessee’s improved offense. The redshirt freshman missed last week’s game against Mississippi State and his status for Saturday’s game has yet to be determined. The Commodores’ next leading tackler is cornerback Torren McGaster, who has 64.
The matchup is unfavorable for Vanderbilt, who face a difficult task in stopping Dobbs. The sophomore should see a strong performance facing a struggling Commodores defense.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
