As the Bulldogs and Commodores prepare to face off, Alabama A&M's tactics coupled with Vanderbilt's desire for defensive improvement set the stage for an intriguing matchup
In the realm of college football, Alabama A&M's recent history has been nothing short of intriguing. In the spring of 2021, when many FCS teams opted to sit out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bulldogs forged ahead, playing four games and emerging victorious in each contest, tallying a pristine 4-0 record. Their momentum carried into the fall of 2021, where they put together a commendable 7-3 season. However, it's worth noting that during this successful run, Alabama A&M did not square off against any Division I teams outside the SWAC or MEAC conferences.
The story takes a twist in 2022, as the Bulldogs experienced a dip in performance, culminating in a 4-7 record. All four of their wins came within the conference, but they faced formidable challenges when pitted against FBS opponents, suffering resounding defeats at the hands of UAB, a 59-0 thrashing, and Troy, where they fell 38-17.
Fast forward to the present, where Vanderbilt finds itself preparing to clash with Alabama A&M. This encounter presents a unique challenge for the Commodores, as the Bulldogs have yet to take the field in 2023, leaving no recent game footage for analysis. This lack of information could prove to be a double-edged sword, as Alabama A&M may unveil previously unseen strategies and plays. Linebacker/safety CJ Taylor acknowledged this uncertainty, likening the situation to a "Week Zero" game, relying on last year's data to make preparations. Taylor remarked, "This week will probably be like last week, we'll see some stuff that we didn't see in the previous game."
Turning our attention to the on-field matchup, one aspect of concern for Vanderbilt is their secondary. Alabama A&M QB Xavier Lankford looks to have success against a Vanderbilt defense that survived a week 1 test against Hawaii. In their recent Week Zero showdown, Hawaii's run-and-shoot offense dissected Vanderbilt's defense with apparent ease, advancing down the field at will. Safety De'Rickey Wright's timely interceptions were a saving grace, preventing what could have been a disheartening start akin to 2021. However, the rest of the defense struggled, managing just six incompletions for the remainder of the game.
On the Vanderbilt offensive front, the absence of Ray Davis, now with Kentucky, was palpable in the ground game. Vanderbilt attempted to run the ball 26 times but mustered a mere 39 yards. Nevertheless, amidst the Week Zero turbulence, AJ Swann showcased his prowess by throwing for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The receiving corps emerged as a bright spot, with Will Sheppard finding the end zone twice and Jayden McGowan amassing six receptions and 72 receiving yards. McGowan's explosive speed was on full display as he notched a scintillating 96-yard kickoff return touchdown.
As the Bulldogs and Commodores prepare to face off, the uncertainty surrounding Alabama A&M's tactics coupled with Vanderbilt's desire for defensive improvement and offensive continuity sets the stage for an intriguing matchup that promises surprises and challenges for both sides.
