Edward Aschoff, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Vanderbilt season review

This was not the start to his Vanderbilt tenure that Derek Mason wanted or envisioned. A year removed from a second straight nine-win season and three straight bowl games -- both firsts in school history -- the Commodores went 0-8 in SEC games and started the season with an ugly 37-7 loss to Temple at home.

Vandy finished the year with just three wins and ranked near the bottom of the league in every major offensive category. The Commodores also spent most of the year shuffling quarterbacks around, which stunted the offense's growth. Getting outscored 283-102 in SEC play just isn't close to being good enough, and Mason knows that. That's why he made staff changes after the season, including firing offensive coordinator Karl Dorrell and defensive coordinator David Kotulski.

Mason has said that he likes the direction of the program, but the Commodores have a long way to go before returning to being truly competitive in the SEC.

Best win: There weren’t many, but the best of the three had to be the Commodores’ 42-28 win over Old Dominion to open the month of November. Forget who the opponent was, this was the most complete performance of the season for the Commodores. The offense, rolled up a season-high 524 yards of offense and the defense allowed 336 yards, second fewest on the season. We got to see some growth from freshman quarterback Johnny McCrary, who threw for a season-high 281 yards and five touchdowns, and freshman running back Ralph Webb, who rushed for a season-high 166 yards with one touchdown.

Worst loss: The Commodores got blown out in a couple of SEC games this season, but that opening loss to Temple was just unacceptable. The Owls were coming off a 2-10 season, only to walk out of Nashville with a commanding 37-7 win. Vandy was totally inept on offense, registering 278 yards, scoring zero offensive points and turning it over seven times. Three Vandy quarterbacks combined to throw for 224 yards and three interceptions. What’s worse is that players and coaches later said they just weren’t prepared enough for the game -- the first game of the Mason era.

Player of year: The biggest bright spot on offense for the Commodores was Webb, who finished the season ranking 11th in the league in rushing with 907 yards. He was the Commodores’ most consistent offensive player. He rushed for 90-plus yards in four games this season but scored only four touchdowns.

Breakout player: We might be hearing the name Nigel Bowden for a few years. The freshman linebacker was arguably the Commodores’ best defender this season. He led Vandy with 78 total tackles and became the first freshman to lead the team in tackles since since 1998. Bowden, who also led all SEC freshmen in tackles, registered at least five tackles in nine games.

Play of year: The game was well in hand and the Commodores weren’t coming back, but McCrary’s 41-yard pass to David Dudchock in Vandy’s loss to Florida was great. McCray had to dodge a couple of Florida defenders to even get the pass off and then Dudchock went all Odell Beckham Jr. by snatching the pass out of the air with one hand. It wasn’t a play that changed the game or ignited a rally, but it’s one that will make Vandy highlight reels for years. The athleticism, timing and concentration that play took were amazing.

2015 outlook: We don’t really know what to expect from the Commodores in 2015. With a handful of coaches leaving, including both coordinators, Mason is kind of starting over. Now, after the season Vandy just had, that could be a good thing. He and that team need a fresh start. Mason has to settle on one quarterback, and McCrary has all the tools needed to be the guy. The defense has some young, solid talent returning, but the offense has to find playmakers at receiver. Bringing some quality talent in this next recruiting class is key, and developing current guys and motivating them will be crucial to future success.

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