After enjoying their bye week, the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-1, 1-1 SEC) will spring back into action on Saturday against No. 2 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC). In what will be their toughest game of the season, the Commodores will travel down to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a second straight road game.
Following a 21-3 loss to South Carolina, Vanderbilt has used the last week to regroup both mentally and physically. Due to a recent batch of injuries, head coach James Franklin has made a point to ease his recovering players back into action and take advantage of the week off.
“We’re just trying to get guys healthy,” said Franklin following Wednesday’s practice. “There are some guys that were in red jerseys today that we could’ve pushed if it was game week, but there’s no reason for it. Let’s get (the players) another couple of days of rest.”
Against a formidable opponent such as Alabama, Vanderbilt will need as many healthy players as possible. The Crimson Tide have looked unstoppable at times this season and are coming off a in Gainesville.
Alabama is one of college football’s most balanced teams, as the Crimson Tide is equally deadly on both sides of the ball.
Alabama’s high-octane offense is led by standout junior running back Trent Richardson. A scoring threat on every play, Richardson has punished every defense the Crimson Tide has played this season. Over the weekend against Florida, Richardson torched one of the nation’s better defensive units for 181 yards on 29 carries for two touchdowns. In order to have any hope of a close game on Saturday, Vanderbilt will have to find a way to contain Richardson.
If the Commodores can handle Richardson, they will force Alabama sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron to become more than just a game-managing quarterback, a feat he has yet to accomplish consistently.
Alabama is anchored on defense by a disciplined linebacking corps led by senior Courtney Upshaw and a stifling secondary led by senior Mark Barron.
To have any chance of keeping this game close, Vanderbilt’s offense must score. As well as the defense has played, the Vanderbilt offense needs to show up on Saturday and create long drives.
Ultimately, Saturday’s game will be another test in resolve for the Commodores. If Alabama climbs out to an early lead, Vanderbilt’s response could be a major indicator of the team’s mental toughness.
So far this season, Franklin has been a bastion of that toughness. Facing questions regarding the quarterback position following the loss at South Carolina, Franklin has been fiercely loyal to Smith.
“Larry gives us our best chance to be successful, that’s no disrespect to (Jordan) Rodgers,” Franklin said. “Based on what we evaluate every single day at practice, decision-making and grading the film, Larry by far gives us the best chance to be successful.”
