Here are the five biggest takeaways from 24-14 loss to Missouri in Columbia.

1. Johnny McCrary may have won starting job: Johnny McCrary had an impressive debut as Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback. The redshirt freshman threw for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 17-of-31 passing. After spending two weeks practicing with the first team offense, McCrary became the only Vanderbilt quarterback other than Patton Robinette to throw for multiple touchdowns in a game this season.

2. Ralph Webb’s carries are still being limited: Ralph Webb rushed for 34 yards on 16 carries. This came just days after head coach Derek Mason said the freshman would see an increase in touches late in games. Instead, Webb had just five carries in the third quarter and zero in the fourth.

3. C.J. Duncan needs a bigger role in offense: C.J. Duncan scored a touchdown for the second consecutive game. However, it came on Duncan’s only catch of the game, a 29-harder in the fourth quarter. Duncan needs to see more targets as Vanderbilt’s most talented wideout in a struggling offense.

4. Defense looks improved with offensive production: Vanderbilt’s defense held Maty Mauk to 141 yards on 11-of-23 passing. Though 24 points allowed is far from a dominant performance, its the second lowest total allowed by the Commodores against an SEC opponent all season. Vanderbilt’s 28:15 time of possession helped keep its defense from staying on the field and allow more points.

5. Vanderbilt has a core of young talent for future: Though they lack experience, the Commodores underclassmen have talent. The nucleus of McCrary, Webb, Duncan and Nigel Bowden is something to build around moving forward. Mason has a base of talent to work with and needs to find more prospects to build a winning program for the future.