Forced turnovers helping Vandy to 4-0

D.J. Moore and the Commodores are creating plenty of turnovers this season.File

Two statistics shed considerable light on Vanderbilt’s surprising 4-0 start.

The Commodores currently rank No. 1 in the nation in turnover ratio while ranking No. 2 in fewest penalties.

Taking advantage of those factors has helped VU climb to 19th in the latest national rankings, the first time since 1984 it has been perched in the polls.

Mainly on the strength of 10 interceptions, the Vanderbilt defense is plus-2.20 in turnover ratio, tops in the nation and ahead of second-place Boston College at 2.00.

The Commodores are tied for the national lead with 10 interceptions along with Boston College and Texas Tech. VU has also recovered four fumbles.

In addition, the Commodores have only been flagged for 11 penalties this season, second-fewest in the nation.

How impressive is 10 interceptions in four games? Consider: Vanderbilt has recorded less than 10 in three separate seasons since coach Bobby Johnson arrived in 2002.

Johnson has some theories to explain the turnaround.

“We’ve got some playmakers in the secondary,” he said. “You get better players and better things happen for you.”

VU believes its starting defensive secondary of cornerbacks D.J. Moore and Myron Lewis and safeties Ryan Hamilton and Reshard Langford ranks among the best in the Southeastern Conference.

Hamilton intercepted three passes in Vanderbilt’s 23-17 win at Ole Miss on Sept. 20 to earn National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Moore and Langford each have two interceptions, while Lewis has one.

Having faith in the secondary has allowed Vanderbilt coaches to blitz opposing quarterbacks more frequently, which, in turn, can lead to more opportunities to force turnovers.

“Our defensive staff does a fantastic job of being aggressive,” Johnson said. “It’s sort of a mindset now that we’re going to be aggressive, no matter what the other team does. When that happens, you’ve got a chance to get some interceptions and some fumbles.”

Langford, a fifth-year senior, has noticed the change in attitude among the team’s defensive backs.

“It’s our ball when it’s in the air, too,” he said.

Johnson credits much of the change to the dynamic Moore, an All-SEC performer who can change the flow of a game.

Rather than watching the action, Johnson said, Vanderbilt defensive backs have been inspired to force it.

“D.J. is looking to make a big play,” Johnson said. “It’s sort of contagious.

“He knows our defense and knows what he’s got to take. He also knows what the quarterback is seeing. If the quarterback is seeing this, the quarterback has to do this. He anticipates that very well. More guys on our defense are thinking that way and not just being robots.”

Vanderbilt (4-0) vs. Auburn (4-1)

5 p.m. Saturday

Vanderbilt Stadium

TV – ESPN