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Here’s how Vanderbilt graded in its Week 6 loss to No. 13 Georgia.
OFFENSE: C-
Despite the score, Vanderbilt had one of its most impressive offensive performances of the season. The Commodores managed to gain 320 total yards, including 132 rushing yards. Ralph Webb led with 77 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. However, neither Wade Freebeck or Stephen Rivers provided a passing touchdown and Vanderbilt’s best bet will be to return a healthy Patton Robinette at quarterback.
DEFENSE: D
Todd Gurley did Todd Gurley things. He rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns, with both coming in the first quarter. Hutson Mason had an efficient game with 121 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on 11-of-17 passing. Vanderbilt did force a turnover, which was the high point of a defensive effort that allowed five touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
Kicker Tommy Openshaw was 1-for-2 on field goal attempts. Openshaw connected on a 34-yard attempt and was 2-for-2 on extra point attempts. Colby Cooke had six attempts for a total of 215 yards and landed one punt inside the 20.
COACHING: C
Derek Mason deserves a C grade for keeping his overmatched team fighting throughout the contest. The Commodores don’t have the talent to match Georgia in their current state, but put up a fight despite huge odds. Even with a large deficit, Vanderbilt saw one of its better offensive performances of the season.
OVERALL: D
Vanderbilt is still a far cry from last season’s team. The Commodores look to rebuild from the ground up and it will be a long, tough process. Mason is making progress, despite playing through a tough SEC schedule.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky