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While Vanderbilt has been considered the "black sheep" of the SEC due to its inability to string together multiple winning seasons, the offense actually has some juice to squeeze this season.
Depending on how you look at it, the Commodores' offense has been potent without star quarterback AJ Swann for nearly a month — at least compared to other SEC schools. Vanderbilt ranks 10th in scoring (27.2 points), eighth in passing (265.8 yards) and 12th in total offense (349 yards).
No one in Nashville is saying that's up to par, but it's something. Swann was expected to help build off a promising 5-7 campaign in Year 2 of the Clark Lea era, and instead has missed the previous three starts. Not to mention, the run game has been invisible since Ray Davis decided to hit the portal and join SEC East rival Kentucky.
No. 12 Ole Miss, who ends its annual rivalry with the Commodores this fall, might be the heavy favorites entering Week 9, but could consider this a trap game entering November? After all, sights could be set on the next two weeks with matchups against a pesky Texas A&M defense and No. 1 Georgia on the horizon, so any slip-up could lead to success for the Commodores in Oxford.
Follow along with TheGroveReport.com as we preview every aspect of Ole Miss' matchup with the Commodores throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Oct. 28.
Now, let's take a look at several offensive players to monitor.
Offensive Leaders
QB AJ Swann
When healthy, Swann is Vanderbilt's starter after winning the job late last season. For now, his status is questionable. Swann hasn't played since Week 5's loss to Kentucky after suffering a shoulder injury.
In five games, Swann is completing 53.8 percent of his passes for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions. In his lone SEC start, the sophomore threw three interceptions and completed a mere 40 percent of his throws.
RB Sedrick Alexander
With Davis now in Lexington, the Commodores have moved to a two-back system with Patrick Smith and Alexander. While Smith leads the team in carries (63) and yards (257), Alexander is the team's go-to option in the red zone. The freshman from Austin averages 3.9 yards per attempt but has a team-leading four touchdowns.
RB Patrick Smith
Smith hasn't been the bell-cow back many expected, but he's still finding success on the ground, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The Commodores run a two-back set, but Smith usually sets up the series. Of his 63 rush attempts, 36 — or 57 percent — have come on first and second downs.
WR Will Sheppard
Sheppard returned for his senior season and has continued to produce. He's averaging 15.9 yards per reception and leads the team with eight touchdown receptions. A mere 426 yards away from becoming the first Vanderbilt receiver to finish with 1,000 receiving yards since 2013, Sheppard is looking to become the first Vandy receiver drafted since Jordan Matthews in 2014.
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