Vanderbilt Football Depth Chart vs. #4 Mississippi State: Johnny McCrary Starts at QB

Johnny McCrary will hold on to his starting spot as the Commodores' quarterback - for another week, at least. The redshirt freshman was named Vanderbilt's starter when the team's depth chart for the Mississippi State game was released on Monday. Patton Robinette, who started the team's season opener and was effective in mop-up duty against Florida, will back him up.

McCrary and Robinette were the only two quarterbacks listed on the team's depth chart for the game against the Bulldogs. There were few other changes throughout the rest of Vandy's two-deep. Kellen Williams reclaimed the starting fullback role from Dallas Rivers, but Rivers has never been a legitimate FB in the traditional sense. Caleb Azubike, who has shifted back and forth between the defensive line and linebacker slot all season - to our and former defensive captain Chase Garnham's chagrin - will start this weekend's game at defensive tackle.

Naming McCrary the starter without the standard "-or-" designation that had accompanied so many of Derek Mason's early depth charts is a confidence-building move for the young passer. While Robinette is a capable passer, McCrary's potential for ripping off big plays will give the Commodores better odds for an upset win both this weekend and beyond. An extra week of practice should have the Vandy QB better prepared to handle would should be a fierce MSU pass rush as well - an area that the 'Dores need to improve on after being held without a touchdown in their final three quarters against Florida.