3 problematic Vanderbilt players vs. Texas

CJ Taylor, S

This is the second weekend in a row that Sarkisian and the Longhorns face a defensive-minded head coach. Lea is a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator and longtime FBS linebackers coach in college. He's been very involved in getting Vandy's defense up to par with some of the other quality units on this side of the ball in the SEC this year.

Vandy is definitely doing better on defense this season, ranking in the top half of the FBS in scoring defense and in the top 10 in the SEC in total defense. The Commodores have also improved their turnover margin defensively by picking off opposing quarterbacks more often this fall compared to last season.

But Vandy's defense has still proven to have some issues defending the run and preventing explosive plays in the secondary this fall. Vanderbilt ranks 80th in the FBS in defending explosive passing plays, as they give up over four explosives through the air per game against FBS foes.

One of the big reasons why Vandy's defense has tightened up a bit this fall, especially in the secondary with generating turnovers and interceptions, is the play of senior safety CJ Taylor and sophomore hybrid safety Randon Fontennette.

Taylor is the heart and soul of the Vanderbilt defense, excelling in his ability to play physical and intelligently to be a ball hawk for the defensive secondary. Since 2022, Taylor has generated eight turnovers for the Vandy defense.

Vandy's three-year starter at safety, Taylor, is extremely instinctual and rangy in the defensive backfield. He knows where to be on the field to make big-time plays on key downs, especially with his range and versatility to step up and make big tackles and help generate turnovers on money downs.

It will be important for Ewers and the Longhorns to know where Taylor is on the field in Vandy's secondary at all times on offense.

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