SEC Football Media Days 2019: One big takeaway from each team

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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Derek Mason of the Vanderbilt Commodores tries to corral his team back to the sideline during a scrum against the Florida Gators during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Vanderbilt comes into 2019 with a chip on its shoulder

Ke’Shawn Vaughn is one of the better backs in the country. However, he believes that he, and his team, are being underrated heading into this season.

#Vanderbilt's Ke'Shawn Vaughn had more rushing yards last year than any returning SEC running back. Here's what he had to say when asked why more people aren't talking about the Commodores.

"We want you to keep sleeping on us. We'll wake you up on gameday.#SECMD19 @abc3340 pic.twitter.com/BDDiojyffl
— Patrick Brickman (@PatrickBrickman) July 18, 2019

The Commodores only won six games a year ago, and they had a losing record in the SEC. It’s a few key victories, especially over rivals, that is fueling the swagger in Nashville.

Kalija Lipscomb on Vanderbilt’s 3-game winning streak against Tennessee. #SECMD19 pic.twitter.com/Y4KGaNWzPD
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) July 18, 2019

They didn’t just get a victory over the Volunteers in 2018, they won in convincing fashion. The 38-13 game was highlighted by 367 yards and three touchdowns from Kyle Shurmur. After exhausting his eligibility, Shurmur is gone, and Riley Neal will take over at quarterback.

Because of this, Vaughn is set to have a big 2019. The running game, and defense, will need to produce if Vanderbilt expects to surprise people this year.

That means the defense will have to step up. They finished 10th in the SEC in scoring and passing defense, 12th in rush defense, and 13th in total defense.

Derek Mason has not had a winning record since he’s arrived in Nashville. For that to change in 2019, this team will have to play with a chip on its shoulder.

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