With the UConn Huskies heading to Nashville, TN to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday night, I reached out to Jace from Open ‘Dores, a Vanderbilt blog.
This way as UConn fans, we could get an “inside” perspective of the Vanderbilt football team before the game on Saturday night. Thanks to Jace for taking the time to answer the questions I presented.
1. What has new head coach James Franklin brought to the table for the Commodores?
OD – James Franklin has brought a plethora of changes to our team. He, along with his well put together coaching staff, have brought a refreshing change in the culture, playbook, and depth chart that Commodore fans have been desiring for many years. Our team is more energized and inspired than ever before with the attitude Franklin brings. And what the fans like more than anything is that he came to campus with the full intention to play the best players and call the best plays for his situation. The new coaching staff showed absolutely no fear in seating long-time starters and changing the positions of players. Also, the coaches present a completely reengineered playbook that contains a new Wildcat formation and actually takes advantage of a lead blocking, pass catching fullback.
2. How much of a revenge factor will there be on Saturday after last year’s loss to UConn?
OD – Starting tight end Brandon Barden summed it up well earlier this week when he said the team was “pissed” after losing last year. I imagine most of the players feel that way. Quarterback Larry Smith especially, who was having one of his better games of the season before the team flopped in that second half. The offensive line should be pretty upset about their performance in our game last year as well. So, yeah, there should be a rather strong revenge factor in this one.
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3. How will the Vandy defense try and stop the UConn running game with their big offensive line?
OD – I could certainly see the coaches working out some blitzing packages, because we saw a lot more of aggressiveness out our defense in that game against Elon than we have seen from any Vandy team in quite some time. Our defense revolves around the middle linebacker and football genius
Chris Marve. He has a knack for sniffing out offensive plays and is much more healthy than he ever was last season. It is also worth mentioning that our defensive line should be much improved as opposed to last season. James Franklin always mentions the guys on our line as a pleasant surprise every practice- although our stats against Elon do not really reflect as so.
4. How can UConn stop the Vandy offense?
OD – All of that will be determined up front. I must admit that I worry if our offensive line can contain guys like Kendall Reyes on the Connecticut defensive line. Our team did add a lot depth up front, and the big guys played rather well in game one, the unit as a whole is far from proving anything. And if the Huskies create a lot of havoc up front, it is very likely that Larry Smith will fold not too much after the offensive line folds.
5. Give me one or two players who we might not have heard of that may stick out during the game?
OD – WR Jordan Matthews and LB Chase Garnham could very well make some noise. Matthews was not even thinking about seeing the field the last time the Huskies saw the Commodores. However, he closed out last season with some pretty fantastic games and impressed the new coaching staff even more this offseason. Garnham might have seen one snap against UConn last season, but he is expected to be a huge contributor for the Commodore defense after having a great offseason himself and getting 6 tackles in the opener. Chris Boyd, another wide receiver, is also worth mentioning. I did not want to say two guys who play the same position, but look out for the redshirt freshman Boyd if the offensive line can give Larry Smith time to get the passing attack going.
Once again, thanks to Jace for taking the time to answer my questions. Be sure to check out Open ‘Dores for your Vanderbilt sports needs.
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