CatsPause.com - Scouting Report: Kentucky at Vanderbilt

November 14, 2009

Matt May
CatsPause.com Senior Writer

KENTUCKY at VANDERBILT
When: 12:20 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium; Nashville, Tenn.
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Big Blue Radio Network
Last Meeting: Nov. 15, 2008 - Vanderbilt 31, @UK 24

Vanderbilt 2009 Schedule/Results
Sept. 5 - WESTERN CAROLINA (W, 45-0)
Sept. 12 - at LSU (L, 9-23)
Sept. 19 - MISS. STATE (L, 3-15)
Sept. 26 - at Rice (W, 36-17)
Oct. 3 - OLE MISS (L, 7-23)
Oct. 10 - at Army (L, 13-16)^
Oct. 17 - GEORGIA (L, 10-34)
Oct. 24 - at South Carolina (L, 10-14)
Oct. 31 - GEORGIA TECH (L, 31-56)
Nov. 7 - at Florida (L, 3-27)
Nov. 14 - KENTUCKY
Nov. 21 - at Tennessee
^overtime

Notes: Kentucky leads the all-time series by the scant margin of 39-38-4, but Vanderbilt holds a 24-18-2 edge in Nashville...UK had won six consecutive meetings before the Commodores gained bowl eligibility with a 31-24 victory in Lexington last November...The 'Dores dominated the stats last year, outrushing UK 213-97 andpiling up 368 total yards to just 214 for the Cats... UK had its chances but could only recover one of five forced fumbles against Vandy in that game...Vanderbilt has already been bounced from bowl contention but the Cats will be attempting to become postseason eligible for the fourth straight year...Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson is 29-64 in seven-plus season with the Commodores, but just 12-52 in SEC play.

SCOUTING THE COMMODORES
CENTER OF ATTENTION
Warren Norman, Running Back
2009 Statistics: 116 rushes, 658 yards, 3 TD; 15 catches, 87 yards, TD; 30 kick returns, 852 yards, 3 TD
Bio Buzz: There is an old theory in football that rookie running backs, whether it's at the collegiate or professional level, have one of the easiest transitions at a new place because it's relatively more simplistic to take a handoff and run than nuances of other positions. Norman (and fellow freshman back Zac Stacy) has given more validity to the thought process with the way he's come on the second half of this season for the Commodores.

The true freshman has slowly climbed the Southeastern Conference rushing charts over the past few weeks based on solid performances against South Carolina and Georgia Tech, two quality opponents. More than his ability to just run the football Norman has been arguably the most dynamic kick returner in the league in averaging 28.4 yards per return with three touchdowns (and another 80 yard jaunt that came up just short). The kid is a dangerous playmaker.

SUPPORTING CAST
Mackenzi Adams, Quarterback
2009 Statistics: 34-66, 339 yards
Bio Buzz: Adams has thrown for more than 2,300 yards in his career but has never really been given full support as the Commodores' starting quarterback. The senior lost his job to Larry Smith this season but regained it last week after Smith was sidelined for the rest of the year with an injury. Adams has decent enough feet as a rusher but he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and has a low completion percentage for his career.

Myron Lewis, Cornerback
2009 Statistics: 39 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 3 INT, 7 pass breakups
Bio Buzz: Lewis is considered one of the Southeastern Conference's top cover corners, a physical playmaker who follows in the footsteps of D.J. Moore. Lewis entered last weekend's Florida game needing just one interception to reach double figures for his career, although his tackle totals are significantly down this season.

Chris Marve, Middle Linebacker
2009 Statistics: 95 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 3 forced fumbles
Bio Buzz: Marve has proven to be one of the SEC's top defenders, leading the league in tackles this season with 10 per game. Just a sophomore Marve has already shot by 200 tackles for his career and appears to only be getting better in the middle of Vanderbilt's defense. Although a bit undersized he is still always around the football.

Zac Stacy, Running Back
2009 Statistics: 92 rushes, 421 yards, 3 TD; 5 catches, 53 yards
Bio Buzz: Stacy was a prep phenom in Alabama, rushing for nearly 6,000 yards and 76 touchdowns in his high school career before choosing Vanderbilt. The freshman has missed a couple of games but he came back strong against Georgia Tech, turning in 75 yards and two scores in a backfield that now has a lot of pop with him and Warren Norman.

Matt May is the football beat reporter for The Cats' Pause. If you have questions or comments about the Cats e-mail him here.

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