Vanderbilt may have outperformed expectations after last week's 21-3 loss to South Carolina, but they still left Tuscaloosa on the losing end of a 34-0 decision Saturday night.
Larry Smith's ankle injury paved the way for a pair of Jordan Rodgers interceptions in the second half as the Vandy offense continued its run of futility in the SEC. After gaining only 77 yards against Alabama, the 'Dores improved to a 185 yard turnout against the Tide in Tuscaloosa. However, it didn't lead to more points, as Carey Spear missed a pair of field goals that could have brought the Alabama lead down to 7-6 as the first half wound down.
Vanderbilt's rushing improved from a four yard performance to post 36 yards - which is still a pretty disappointing performance. The team's top rushers were players that don't play tailback - led by Rodgers, Smith, and wideout Jonathan Krause. Zac Stacy and Jerron Seymour were limited to only 4 yards on eight carries against a very talented Alabama defense.
Rodgers was unable to spark the team's offense after Smith left the game in the first half with an ankle injury. He threw a pair of interceptions that were the result of poorly thrown passes in the second half. However, neither Smith nor Rodgers took a sack on the evening, suggesting that the team's offensive line has grown as the year has progressed.
Vanderbilt's streak of four straight games with an interception ended against A.J. McCarron and the Tide. McCarron finished with 237 yards and four touchdowns through the air, ending some of the mystique behind Vandy's vaunted secondary. The defense will have a week to regroup in order to take down Georgia next week.