Looking Ahead | Auburn at Vanderbilt

AUBURN TIGERS at

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

Saturday, 11:21 a.m. CT, Vanderbilt Stadium

SEC Network (Play-by-play: Dave Neal, Analysis: Andre Ware, Sideline: Cara Capuano)

Opening line: Vanderbilt -8 | Over/under: 44

Tickets: StubHub

Series history: Tied 20-20-1 | At Nashville: VU leads 11-7 | Last 10: AU leads 9-1

Last meeting: Vanderbilt 14, Auburn 13, Oct. 4, 2008, at Nashville

Auburn notes | Vanderbilt notes

VANDERBILT COMMODORES (2-4, 1-3 SEC)

Head coach: James Franklin (second year at Vandy and overall, 8-11)

Offensive coordinator: John Donovan (multiple) | Defensive coordinator: Bob Shoop (4-3)

SB Nation affiliate: Anchor of Gold | Other coverage: The Tennessean, VandySports.com

Based on Vanderbilt's record, on may be led to believe the Commodores aren't very good this year, but that isn't the case. Vandy's four losses have come against teams with a combined 23-3 record, and aside from the Georgia game, the 'Dores have been competitive in each contest. A few plays here and there, and Vanderbilt could easily be 4-2 or 5-1.

In their last game, the Commodores went toe to toe with Florida, No. 2 in the initial BCS rankings, and held their own for 60 minutes. Vanderbilt missed a field goal and allowed a fake punt to extend a Gator scoring drive, and it was still a one-possession game with three 2:50 remaining. Florida didn't put the game away until quarterback Jeff Driskel scampered for a 70-yard score with 2:35 left.

KEY COMMODORES ON OFFENSE

Jordan Matthews, WR -- Matthews may be the SEC's best wide receiver, and he's certainly the conference's most underrated player. He has 617 yards (second in the SEC) on 43 catches this year and is averaging 14.4 yards per catch and 102.8 yards per game (also second in the SEC). Against Florida, Matthews hauled in eight balls for 131 yards and a TD.

Zac Stacy, RB -- Stacy is Vandy's go-to man in the backfield, and he's putting up solid numbers. With 499 yards and four touchdowns on 99 attempts, Stacy is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and 83.2 yards per game. Averaging just 16.5 attempts per game, Stacy hasn't really been used as a workhorse this year, but he's capable of punishing opposing defenses.

Jordan Rodgers, QB -- You may not know Jordan Rodgers, but you probably know his older brother, Aaron, from those State Farm commercials. The younger Rodgers brother has completed 74 of 134 passes this year for 1,068 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He hasn't been asked to do a whole lot, but considering his bloodline, Rodgers has the natural ability to make some big throws.

KEY COMMODORES ON DEFENSE

Karl Butler, OLB -- Butler has been Vanderbilt's biggest defensive threat, compiling 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a sack. A converted safety, Butler is undersized at 6'1, 215, but he knows how to disrupt an opponent's backfield.

Walker May, DE -- May only has one sack on the season, but he has compiled 3.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries to go along with his 14 tackles. Vandy's defensive line doesn't get a ton of pressure, but when it does, May is usually involved.

Kenny Ladler, FS -- Ladler has one of Vanderbilt's two interceptions this year. He leads the Commodores with 42 tackles, averaging 8.2 per game.