Vandy's QB Situation Ideal

Normally QB controversies seem like divisive things that can hurt a team's rapport, but in the case of Vanderbilt, the battle for the starting position between Larry Smith and Mackenzi Adams has been ideal.

Smith was named the starter, which wasn't a big surprise. Although both Smith and Adams had taken snaps with the first-team offense, Smith was going first and also has the upside factor on his side given that he's only a redshirt sophomore.

Both did a great job of pushing each other throughout spring and summer practices and they have absolutely made one another improved quarterbacks.

Although Smith hardly looked like a world-beater against Boston College (10-17, 121 yards passing, 25 yards rushing), it was pretty remarkable that he showed the kind of poise he had against a tough defense and go out and win his first career start.

He directed Vanderbilt's two field goal drives in the first quarter (including a beautiful 51-yard pass to Sean Walker) to give then an early lead and completed a critical pass in the fourth quarter to set up the game-winning field goal in the 16-14 win.

Since then, Smith has shown off a gun for an arm in practice and demonstrated good decision-making for the most part. Johnson said there will be a little less running of the quarterback this year and a little more throwing down field, and the best candidate by far to do that is Smith. He makes his share of mistakes during practice and no doubt there will be growing pains for him this season, but this is the right move for the Commodores.

That being said, Mackenzi Adams is as big a gamer as you will find. He came in relief of Chris Nickson in three straight games last season (Ole Miss, Auburn, Mississippi State) and performed well every time off the bench, particularly against Auburn when he threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

He didn't fare as well when he started the next three games (all losses) however, but there's no doubting that he can perform whenever called upon, which Johnson made a point of saying during his conference.

Obviously Adams would prefer to be the starter, but given what a competitor he is, he will always be ready if and when needed this season.