SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ

Nov 21, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Speedy Noil (2) scrambles for a loss during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Aggies won 25-0. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt has put up a great effort this season, and with victories over both Missouri and Kentucky, it’s fair to say the Commodores deserve to be ranked higher than both the Tigers and Wildcats in our SEC Power Rankings. However, following a 25-0 loss to Texas A&M Saturday, the Commodores became the second team in the conference to secure a losing season – with both Mizzou and UK still alive for bowl eligibility – and Vandy is therefore destined for the No. 13 spot this week.

The Commodores have played great defense most of the season and held Texas A&M to just one touchdown (the Aggies attempted seven field goals). But, Vandy still allowed 486 total yards and 22 first downs. Vanderbilt sacked A&M quarterback Kyle Allen three times, but also failed to force a turnover.

Of course, the offense was the biggest issue overall and the quarterback position continues to be the biggest weakness for the team. Kyle Shurmur and Johnny McCrary combined to complete just five of 16 pass attempts – an incredibly poor 1.4 yards per pass – and each QB was sacked twice. Shurmur tossed his second interception of the season, which was the only turnover of the game.

Running back Ralph Webb ran for 79 yards on 25 carries, which pushed his season total to an impressive 1,003 rushing yards. However, without a consistent passing threat under center, the Aggies (like most of the teams Vandy has played this season) were able to stack the line of scrimmage to limit Webb’s overall impact on the game.

Despite the seventh loss of the season, there is a ray of hope that the Commodores could sneak into a bowl game with a win over Tennessee next week because there are likely to be more bowl slots than six-win teams.

Next Game: Saturday November 28 at Tennessee

Next: Missouri