When: 7 p.m. Saturday in Nashville
TV; radio: Fox Sports South; 750 AM, 95.5 FM
Vanderbilt's record: 3-2, 1-2 SEC
Vanderbilt on offense: The Commodores rank 11th in the SEC in passing (129.2 yards per game) and 10th in rushing (115.2). Quarterback Larry Smith left last week's game against Alabama in the first half with a lower leg injury and was replaced by backup Jordan Rodgers. This week's starting quarterback will be determined in practice. The Commodores, limited to three points in their past two games, mustered only 41 yards rushing against Alabama. Vanderbilt's active career rushing leader, Warren Norman, from Chamblee High, hasn't played in a game this season while recovering from a leg injury and might be redshirted.
Vanderbilt on defense: The Commodores lead the SEC in interceptions with 14 and have returned three for touchdowns. Casey Hayward is tied with Georgia's Bacarri Rambo and four others for second in the nation in interceptions with four. Vandy ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 108.2 yards per game; eighth in pass defense, allowing 199 yards per game; and first in red-zone defense, holding opponents to five touchdowns and two field goals in 11 trips inside the 20.
Vanderbilt on special teams: Punter Richard Kent averages 42.7 yards per kick. Placekicker Carey Spear missed two field goals last week. The Commodores rank near the bottom of the SEC in punt returns and middle of the pack in kickoff returns.
What you should know: After starting the season with three consecutive victories -– 45-14 over Elon, 24-21 over Connecticut and 30-7 over Ole Miss -– Vanderbilt has lost back-to-back games, 21-3 to South Carolina and 34-0 to Alabama.
Coach: James Franklin, previously the offensive coordinator under Ralph Friedgen at Maryland, is in his first season as Vanderbilt's head coach.
Tim Tucker
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