SEC Power Rankings: Missouri Making a Move

Oct 5, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) eludes a tackle attempt by Vanderbilt Commodores safety Kenny Ladler (1) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

11. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: 3-3 (0-3)

Previous Ranking: 9

Last Week: Missouri 51, Vanderbilt 28

This Week: Bye

Next Week: vs. Georgia

A horrible first quarter led to a pounding at the hands of Missouri in what was a game Vanderbilt desperately needed to win. Now 0-3 in the SEC with games against Georgia, Texas A&M and Florida on tap, and with Tennessee looking like a tough team to beat on the road, Vanderbilt is in danger of missing a bowl game.

Vanderbilt has a bye week to figure out why their defense is struggling so much in the first quarter of game. In three SEC games Vanderbilt has been outscored 51-0 in the first quarter. The 51 points allowed represents 41% of the points they have given up in SEC games, but the zero points from the offense is more glaring.

Like with most struggling SEC teams, everything seems to center around Vanderbilt not being able to run the ball on offense or stop it on defense. Vandy ranks 12th in SEC play in rush yards per game and 13th in stopping it. Missouri rushed for 245 yards and averaged 5.7 per carry against the Commodores last weekend. This foundation allowed them to score in nine of their 11 possessions in the game.

James Franklin is going to need a productive bye week because it is going to be difficult trying to fix these problems while facing three of the best teams in the SEC.