Quarterbacks: A-
Redshirt senior Chris Nickson struggled mightily, throwing for only 4 yards on three completions and also throwing a bad interception. However, backup redshirt junior Mackenzi Adams' performance after Nickson left with an injury was remarkable. Adams threw for 153 yards and threw two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Against a stout Auburn defense, Adams' passing was the key to victory. Also, Nickson and Adams ran for a combined 40 and 54 yards respectively.
Running backs: D
Not surprisingly, the Auburn defense swallowed up the Vanderbilt running backs. Coming into the game, stopping the run was one of the Tigers' strong suits, so Vanderbilt went away from the traditional run game, opting instead for designed quarterback runs. Redshirt junior Jared Hawkins ran for only 8 yards on six carries. The only saving grace was that the running backs didn't fumble the ball.
Wide Receivers: B
The Vanderbilt wide receivers showed up to play, as Adams was able to spread the ball around to multiple receivers. Redshirt senior Sean Walker racked up 66 yards on four catches, redshirt junior Justin Wheeler starred with the first touchdown catch and also led the receivers with five receptions. Finally, tight end redshirt freshman Brandon Barden found a way to get open in the end zone to catch the game-winning touchdown pass.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line got pushed around in the running game, and in the fourth quarter they weren't really able to get the push needed for the running backs to seal the game earlier in the quarter. However, they only allowed one sack, and gave Adams enough time to throw two touchdown passes.
Defensive Line: B
Auburn running back Benny Tate was able to run for over 100 yards, meaning the Tigers' offensive line was able to push forward on the Commodores defensive line. However, five sacks made up for their lack of performance in the running game, and they held Auburn to only 1 yard of total offense in the fourth quarter.
Linebackers: B
The linebackers could have played better against the run considering they allowed 110 yards on the ground. However, they helped stop the Tigers after the first quarter. The Vanderbilt defense only allowed 28 yards in the second, third and fourth quarters combined.
Secondary: A-
After allowing two early touchdown passes in the first quarter, the Vanderbilt secondary changed its tune throughout the rest of the game. They only let up 98 passing yards throughout the game, and junior Myron Lewis' game-ending interception slammed the door. The secondary was one of the strongest parts of the Commodore defense and made sure Auburn didn't complete any big plays down the field.
Special Teams: B
Despite a missed field goal and a blocked field goal, the Vanderbilt special teams redeemed itself with two other big plays. A 55-yard punt by junior Brett Upson that was downed deep in Auburn territory at the end of the game, along with a 25-yard punt return by junior D.J. Moore to set up Vanderbilt's first touchdown were huge plays.
Coaching: A+
The Commodores were in a major hole early after allowing two touchdowns in the first quarter. Coach Bobby Johnson rallied his team and empowered them to hold down the Tigers for the rest of the game. At a time when Vanderbilt could have rolled over and been intimidated by the No. 13 team in the country, prime-time ESPN coverage and all of the ESPN "GameDay" buzz, Johnson kept his team in check, motivated them appropriately and made the right decisions in tough situations to help the Commodores win the game.
