College Football Preview: Vanderbilt at Houston

Florida’s homecoming opponent the Vanderbilt University Commodores (3-4, 1-3 SEC) travel to the University of Houston Saturday to face the 18th-ranked Cougars (7-0). The Commodores are coming off a big win over the Missouri Tigers, one which snapped an 11 game, two-year SEC losing streak. The Cougars are coming off their own hot win as they steamrolled the UCF Knights Saturday, 59-10.

Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason says his team is looking forward to the match-up.

Vanderbilt started freshman quarterback Kyle Shurmur for first time in his career Saturday, where he lead the Commodores to the win over Missouri. Vanderbilt benched starter Johnny McCrary, who had thrown the most interceptions of any quarterback in the SEC (10). However, Coach Mason hasn’t revealed who will be his starter for the Houston game, or if he will utilize a two-quarterback offense.

Vanderbilt’s defense looked stellar against Missouri. They held the Tigers to 188 yards, 10 first downs and just three points in an eventual 10-3 win. This was the lowest yardage Vanderbilt had given up to an SEC opponent since playing Mississippi in 2006. Mason attributes this to the discipline and focus of his team.

Still, Mason knows his team is a huge underdog in this game. He knows just how good his opponent is.

Houston comes into the game with one of the best offenses in the country and Mason understands how good Houston’s quarterback is in running the offense.

Junior Greg Ward, Jr. is ranked ninth in the nation in total offense (344.4 ypg), third in scoring (12.9 ppg), fourth in completion percentage (71.5) and is tied with LSU’s Leonard Fournette for first in the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns.

But Coach Mason says he relishes the challenge, and the opportunities these challenges bring.

Vanderbilt will play Florida next week.