Thursday reading on Vanderbilt at Auburn

For discussion regarding the Vanderbilt Commodores' football program.
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BrentVU
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Thursday reading on Vanderbilt at Auburn

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VANDERBILT:

What's this? An actual player profile from the Tennessean? It's the first one I recall since fall camp. More of these, please.

Tennessean: Glenn Seabrooks was a first baseman and punter. That versatility pays off for VU
(by Aria Gerson)

SI.com: Senior Tight End [Eli Stowers] Powering Through the Competition
The Vanderbilt Commodores senior tight end Eli Stowers has been a big part of their offensive success this season.
(by Troy Brock)

Clark Lea, Vanderbilt

Until this season, Lea was known best by his 2022 media days proclamation: "We know in time Vanderbilt football will be the best program in the country." No one's laughing anymore. After a monster upset over Alabama this season, Lea at least hinted the Commodores can be competitive in the SEC. After masterfully activating the transfer portal, including the acquisition of quarterback Diego Pavia, Lea has a chance to win nine games for only the fifth time in program history. This season, Lea proved he can recruit, develop and coach. It seems the 42-year-old former Vanderbilt running back is in for the long haul. A playoff berth in the near future isn't out of the question. Regrade: A | 2021 grade: B


CBS Sports: Regrading 2021 college football coaching hires
(by Dennis Dodd)

AUBURN:

This may not be a true “loser leaves town” game if Pavia comes up large again - he threw for six touchdowns with no picks in his two victories against Freeze and did more damage with his legs - but make no mistake. A home loss to even a much-improved Vanderbilt team would be an embarrassment. It would drop Freeze’s SEC home record at Auburn to 1-6 and guarantee the program’s fourth straight losing conference season...

Welcome to the new normal. Only one team in Jordan-Hare Stadium this weekend will be fighting to not become the first SEC football squad to finish 15th or 16th in the league. That team is not Vanderbilt. That team is the former SEC and national champion named Auburn.

Beat Vanderbilt, and that is what Auburn is supposed to do, especially at home. Lose to the Commodores, though, and history tells us it likely hastens the day when another Auburn coach hits the road for good.


Birmingham News: The state of Auburn: Win or lose, you’re still chasing Vanderbilt
(by Kevin Scarbinsky)

While Auburn has faced issues containing mobile quarterbacks at times against New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma, one of its many freshmen could be a potential counter to Pavia’s running ability.

Demarcus Riddick saw significant playing time for the first time against Oklahoma, and once he was utilized as a quarterback spy, helped keep Michael Hawkins Jr. quiet with his legs.

He had six tackles and a sack in that game, often keeping Hawkins from extending plays.


AL.com: Could a freshman linebacker [DeMarcus Riddick] be the key for Auburn's defense against Vanderbilt?
(by Peter Rauterkus)

FORMER DORES:

No. 25 Tennessee State football has never faced the Big South/OVC’s leading rusher, but the Tigers know his name. He’s UT Martin’s Patrick Smith, who played in 29 games over the previous three seasons and rushed for nearly 1,000 yards for Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea.

Smith heads into Saturday’s huge Big South/OVC game against TSU at Nissan Stadium (5 p.m. CT) as the FCS's 10th-leading rusher with 836 yards and has 12 touchdowns, which also leads the conference.


Daily Herald: Former VU running back Patrick Smith will test Tennessee State football's defense
(by Mike Organ)