Vanderbilt is preparing to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season this fall. It helps that the Commodores have back starting quarterback Kyle Shurmur.

The senior has started each of the last two seasons and is the key to Vanderbilt recording its first winning season under Mason.

The fifth-year head coach had plenty of good things to say about his veteran quarterback in the SEC teleconference on Wednesday.

  • I’ve had a chance to watch him as well as other quarterbacks like Andrew Luck over his career, Brett Favre, and Kyle has improved every year. Not only as a quarterback but as a leader. Guys believe in him and his best football is ahead of him. We just have to let him go do it.
  • He can throw the deep ball, his accuracy has improved… If he can feel the rush, with the internal clock in his head, it’s going to make us a better football team.”

Shurmur and Mason will receive their first test of the year against rival Middle Tennessee State.

Most bigger programs shy away from facing the perceived “little brothers” in their states, but at least Wednesday, Mason was a big supporter of the rivalry, saying “the state of Tennessee wins with this game.”

  • I think it’s a great game for Middle Tennessee. It showcases the talent of Middle Tennessee kids. I know my roster has those guys, the MTSU roster does too. We get a chance to play it one more time this weekend, I’m excited about the rivalry.

Middle Tennessee State went 7-6, including 1-2 against Power 5 opponents, last season. Vanderbilt defeated Middle Tennessee State, 28-6, in last year’s season opener.

The Commodores host Middle Tennessee State on Saturday night.