Thoughts on the Vandy-Georgia Game

It was another heartbreaking loss for yours truly and the fellow Vanderbilt fans (the few but faithful). Vandy was leading 17-10 at the half, just like South Florida was against Rutgers last night. Unfortunately, both Vandy and South Florida suffered defeat when the game was over.

In hindsight, I am still proud of how the Commodores played during this nationally televised game. Unlike Vandy teams from a few years ago, we did not seem like an inferior team. There weren't many boneheaded calls or head shaking blunders in play execution. Granted the two fumbles we had, especially the one by Jackson-Garrison in the UGA red zone late in the fourth quarter, were very costly. But even the best of teams can fumble the ball a couple of times. Match that with only four penalties for 16 yards and you have a pretty good game.

QB Chris Nickson continues to have a disappointing year, going only two-of-five for a paltry six yards. The good news is that sophomore Mackenzie Adams had a strong showing with seven completions on ten throws for 125 yards and 46 yards rushing including a 21 yard run. I strongly disagree with Coach Johnson's decision to swap quarterbacks throughout the game. Adams was clearly having the better game and putting in Nickson just disrupted the flow and caused many three-and-outs.

D.J. Moore was very impressive with his kickoff returns and the double-reverse touchdown with Walker in the first half. On defense, senior middle linebacker Jonathan Goff continued to show why he is considered one of the top five linebackers in the upcoming NFL draft. He racked up 14 tackles, including 12 solos.

There was some confusion in the press following the game. Initial reports had that UGA coach Mark Richt and Coach Johnson were yelling at each other during the post-game handshake. In reality, it was Richt yelling at his players to stop dancing on the Vanderbilt star logo at mid-field as it was unacceptable and disrespectful behavior. I have a lot of respect for Richt and I suppose I should be upset at this incident. But the way I see it, for the Bulldogs to do that means we had them worried about losing this game. They didn't see us as the doormat of the SEC. I like that.