Quarterbacks took center stage in Vanderbilt football's 35-26 win over Delaware, with Jared Curtis playing most of the game and showing well.
But there were concerns beyond the Commodores
playing two quarterbacks. The game was much closer than it should've been − Vanderbilt (2-0) trailed at halftime, and Delaware essentially matched the Commodores in yardage with 338 total yards to the Commodores' 339.Vanderbilt doesn't have any tune-up games left. The meat of its schedule begins with a matchup against NC State at FirstBank Stadium on Sept. 19 (11:45 a.m. CT, SEC Network).
Here are the five biggest issues the Commodores must fix after two games:
Lack of a run game
Vanderbilt had just 123 rushing yards (not including sacks) against Delaware, and it wasn't just due
to lack of attempts. The Commodores averaged just 3.5 yards per rush. Sedrick Alexander, who averaged 39 yards on nine attempts, and Makhilyn Young, who averaged 38 yards on eight attempts, were reasonably effective, as was Jared Curtis when he did run the ball (24 yards on five attempts). But in what was supposed to be a deep running back room, the other options did very little.
It's not only the running backs to blame. This offensive line looks like it has taken a step back from last season. And there were fewer creative run plays called against Delaware. It's unclear if that's something this roster is unable to execute or whether Vanderbilt is simply holding a few things back from its playbook before facing more difficult competition.
Poor tackling
Tackling was an issue for Vanderbilt at times last season, most notably in a loss to Texas. That showed up again versus Delaware, as the Blue Hens turned a few plays that should've been stopped for a small gain or a loss into explosive plays.
The tackling might improve, but it's the fact that this has been a concern for multiple years that makes this an issue the Commodores must find a way to address.
Wide receiver drops
Junior Sherrill recorded two official drops against Delaware, after Sherrill had a drop against Austin Peay and Ja'Cory Thomas also had one.
With the rush game struggling and the playcalling going heavier on the pass game, especially when Curtis in the game, the wide receivers will need to have steadier hands. That could come with improved chemistry, assuming Vanderbilt soon goes to just one quarterback instead of continuing to play two.
Of particular concern, Sherrill was targeted 12 times and caught just five of those passes against Delaware. Tight end Jayvontay Conner was targeted nine times (with six catches) and Alexander, the running back, was targeted three times (with two catches). Besides Sherrill, the only other wide receivers who were at all involved were Tristen Brown (one catch on two targets) and Brycen Coleman (a catch on his only target).
Though Conner can help fill a receiving void, Vanderbilt needs much more out of its wide receivers.
Early injuries to key players
One secret to Vanderbilt's success in 2025 was that it had very few injuries to key players. With their main contributors staying healthy all season, the Commodores were able to take full advantage of their talent.
Already, Vanderbilt has dealt with an injury to Cole Spence. Clark Lea has described the injury as "week to week," and it has already cost him two games. Spence has been seen wearing a substantial brace on his knee.
Spence has never been a significant receiving threat, but he is the Commodores' best blocking tight end, and his absence has already been felt.
Penalties
Vanderbilt had six penalties for 36 yards against Delaware, after having nine penalties for 73 yards against Austin Peay. This week was an improvement on last, but the number of procedural penalties especially need to go down.
The Commodores had a delay of game, intentional grounding and an illegal substitution on offense. Most of that was on Curtis' first drive, where he struggled to operate the offense. That improved as the game went on, though, so it's easy to see this problem lessening, assuming Vanderbilt chooses to stick with one quarterback.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The five biggest non-quarterback concerns for Vanderbilt football vs Delaware
