Here are some quick thoughts on Vanderbilt’s 14-12 loss to Western Kentucky in the 2015 season opener on Thursday:

What it means: Vanderbilt’s season is in serious trouble already. This was a game that the Commodores desperately needed if they were going to show improvement in the win column in their second year under Derek Mason. It is easy to make too much of one football game, but Mason needed to regain the confidence of his team and fan base in a winnable home opener, and he failed to do so. Things won’t get any easier when Georgia comes to town next week.

What I liked: Vanderbilt’s defense had a much better look under head coach Derek Mason’s direction as defensive coordinator. The Commodores shut Western Kentucky out in the first half, allowing just 46 yards in the process. The pace of play that Vanderbilt exhibited in the first half was nice. While it didn’t produce a ton of points, it was effective in slowing the fast-paced attack of Western Kentucky.

What I didn’t like: Vanderbilt’s red zone offense was atrocious. The Commodores had the ball inside the Western Kentucky 10-yard line on five separate occasions and came away with nine points. Johnny McCrary was named the Vanderbilt starting quarterback after weeks of public uncertainty, and his play was spotty at best. He threw into double-coverage on several occasions on Thursday night, include an ill-advised interception on 1st-and-goal from the 9-yard line in the second quarter and another interception on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the third quarter.

Who’s the man: Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee. The redshirt senior was the Hilltoppers’ big-play man when they needed one most. He caught a 65-yard pass to set up Western Kentucky’s first touchdown, and then scored the second one himself on a 9-yard catch.

Key play: Following a poor punt by Vanderbilt late in the third quarter, Western Kentucky quarterback found tight end Tyler Higbee for a gain of 65-yards on the first play of the drive. Leon Allen scored on a 4-yard run on the very next play to give Western Kentucky a 7-3 lead.

What’s next: With a matchup against SEC East favorite Georgia at Vanderbilt Stadium up next in Week 2, the Commodores will have an extra couple of days to prepare thanks to the Thursday night start to the season. It will be a good spot to have extra time for adjustments, as the style of offense from Western Kentucky to Georgia varies drastically.