GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Vanderbilt pass offense vs. Georgia pass defense. The Commodores can’t expect to ground-and-pound Georgia and pull an upset, so, hopes go to the passing game, where the trip of QB Kyle Shurmur (99 of 159, 1,231 yards, nine TDs, four interceptions), WR Kalija Lipscomb (43 catches, 480 yards, six TDs) and TE Jared Pinkney (18-311-2) have excelled in producing big plays. Last week, Lipscomb had touchdown catches of 38 and 68 yards, and Pinkney, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound headache, had two touchdowns and a long reception of 53 yards. The Commodores will have to protect Shurmur against a Georgia pass rush that’s surprisingly only produced five sacks (four from OLB D’Andre Walker). VU’s probably most worried about CB Deandre Baker (two interceptions, five break-ups), an Associated Press preseason first-team All-American.
DRAFT SLANT
–RG Bruno Reagan remains VU’s starter at right guard, but in the last two weeks has gotten a number of reps at center, his position last year, with Vanderbilt’s struggles there. According to Pro Football Focus, Reagan leads Vanderbilt’s offense in snaps (342) and his 81.7 overall grade is the second-highest among all Commodores.
ROSTER REPORT:
–OLB Josh Smith, who’d started VU’s first four games, sat out last week with a minor injury. He’s expected back this week.
–ILB Colin Anderson, VU’s Game One starter, hasn’t played since due to an apparent injury. He could see time this week.
–WR C.J. Bolar has passed Chris Pierce and joined the first team. The true freshman out-snapped (40 to 28) and out-produced (seven catches and 71 yards to one catch for 11) Pierce, who’s a true sophomore, last week.