Derek Mason names Vanderbilt’s starting QB for Florida game
By Jake Rill
Published:
In his fourth year at Vanderbilt, Deuce Wallace is set to make his first career start.
On Thursday, Commodores head coach Derek Mason told WGFX-FM 104.5 The Zone that Wallace will start at quarterback on Saturday against Florida. Redshirt freshman Allan Walters will serve as the backup, while senior Riley Neal will make the trip to Gainesville, Fla., but remains in concussion protocol.
Although Wallace has never previously started, he’s played in six games this season. He has gone 33-for-76 for 217 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. In last week’s game against South Carolina, Wallace was 8-for-17 for 30 yards and two interceptions.
Wallace has only one career touchdown pass, which came during his redshirt freshman season in 2017. That came in a loss to Ole Miss on Oct. 14, 2017. After that, Wallace didn’t play in another game that season, and he never got into action in 2018.
It’s possible that Saturday could also mark the college debut for Walters, should Wallace come out of the game for any reason. Walters has yet to take a snap for Vanderbilt.
This will be a tough challenge for Wallace in his first start, as Florida is ranked No. 10 in the AP poll and has been one of the top teams in the nation this season.
The Commodores and Gators are set to kick off on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
