Vanderbilt's Urgency Grows After Narrow Loss
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Vanderbilt's urgency grows as they prepare to host Auburn this Saturday following a narrow 34-31 loss to the Texas Longhorns. The Commodores, currently ranked No. 16 in the College Football Playoff rankings, hold a record of seven wins and two losses, but their margin for error has shrunk significantly after the defeat.
Safety Marlen Sewell emphasized the team's commitment to their mission, stating, 'We're just going to keep progressing and keep doing what we've got to do to win.' Vanderbilt's last game saw quarterback Diego Pavia throw for a career-high 365 yards, contributing to four touchdowns, including three passing scores.
Tight end Eli Stowers had a breakout performance, catching seven passes for 146 yards, showcasing his ability as a formidable matchup threat. The Commodores are set to face an Auburn squad that has recently seen turmoil, with head coach Hugh Freeze being dismissed after a 10-3 loss to Kentucky.
Auburn is struggling this season, holding a record of four wins and five losses, and sits at the bottom of the SEC with just one conference win. D.J. Durkin has stepped in as the interim head coach for the Tigers, but they face significant challenges ahead, including a tough road to bowl eligibility.
Auburn's offensive struggles were evident against Kentucky, where they managed only 241 total yards and were hampered by two interceptions and seven sacks. Quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Jackson Arnold are both in the mix to start, but Durkin has yet to announce a definitive starter for the game against Vanderbilt.
The Commodores are preparing for either quarterback, with Sewell noting, 'We study both quarterbacks and get a feel for them both.' The historical rivalry stands at 22 wins, 22 losses, and one tie, with Vanderbilt holding a 12-8 advantage in home games.
However, Auburn won the last matchup in Nashville, taking a 31-15 victory in 2023. With their playoff hopes on the line, Vanderbilt must secure a victory against a reeling Auburn team to maintain their position in the playoff race.