The Vanderbilt Commodores finished their first year under head coach Derek Mason with a 3-9 (0-8 SEC) record. The former Stanford defensive coordinator was expected to make improvements to the Commodores defense, however, the team dropped from No. 23 overall in total defense in 2013 to No. 70. Here’s a detailed analysis on the Vanderbilt defense in 2014.

Defensive End: Adam Butler was the one true standout on the Vanderbilt defensive line. Butler was the only lineman to be among the team leaders in both sacks and tackles for loss. He was second in tackles for loss (7.5) and third in sacks (2.5). Vince Taylor was responsible for the defensive line’s other sack and had two tackles for loss. But, with Vanderbilt’s 3-4 scheme, the line’s main purpose was to open gaps for linebackers and defensive backs to expose plays in the backfield.

Linebackers: Vanderbilt’s linebacking corps was one of its best position groups in 2014. Nigel Bowden led the team with 78 tackles and averaged 7.1 per game. Fellow freshman Zach Cunningham added 67 of his own and seven for loss. In Mason’s 3-4 scheme, several linebackers were among the team leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Stephen Weatherly led in both categories with 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Caleb Azubike was second in sacks (4.0) and fourth in tackles for loss (6.0). Vanderbilt’s young linebacking corps should benefit from an extra year of gained experience entering the 2015 season. Bowden was among the SEC’s best linebackers and should continue his development as a sophomore.

Defensive Backs: The Commodores secondary ranked No. 50 overall in passing yards allowed. Torren McGaster led the Commodores with two interceptions and was third on the team in tackles (66). Vanderbilt allowed over 300 yards in one game, a Week 2 loss to Ole Miss. The Commodores held in-state rival Tennessee to 92 passing yards and intercepted quarterback Joshua Dobbs twice. Vanderbilt’s previous season-low in passing yards allowed was 141, against SEC East champion Missouri.

Vanderbilt’s defense was much better than its ranking. The Commodores ineptitude on offense forced the defense to stay on the field and defend poor field position. Given the team’s inexperience, Vanderbilt’s defensive drop should come as no surprise. However, Mason should see an improvement on defense in his second season with his young roster gaining in-game experience.