Improving this Key Stat could be a GAMECHANGER for Clark Lea and Vanderbilt's Defense

Vanderbilt Commodores' path to SEC relevance hinges on one glaring issue: third down defense. Can Clark Lea and a retooled roster transform the nation’s 114th-ranked unit into a game-changing strength in 2026? Corey Burton spotlights how fixes here could be the tipping point, examining last season’s struggles and the ripple effect on offense, special teams, and field position. The conversation homes in on key defenders—Brian Allen Jr., Bryan Longwell, and Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones—whose play could anchor each level of the defense. With pivotal matchups against NC State and Ole Miss looming, Burton assesses how a deeper, more athletic roster and year-two coordinator Steve Gregory might finally help Vanderbilt get off the field and flip their season trajectory. Are the Commodores poised to disrupt the SEC elite, or will familiar breakdowns haunt their campaign once more? #anchordown #clarklea #collegefootball #vandyfootball Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonvandy.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.