[Tuck4Bama]

Vanderbilt didn't eliminate the big play on defense. The Commodores just changed roles, from being the victim to becoming the perpetrator.

After showing a tendency to allow chunks of yards during their first couple of games, Vanderbilt's stoppers came up with a seven-sack performance in their Sept. 15 win over Southeastern Conference rival Ole Miss. They followed that outing by forcing six turnovers, including their most interceptions — five — in 14 years while defeating Eastern Michigan on Sept. 29.

The ability to continue making, rather than allowing, the big play will be a key for a Vanderbilt defense that ranks among the top 20 nationally in three of four categories heading into this weekend's SEC road game at Auburn.

"We had some big plays against us the first couple of weeks," defensive coordinator Bruce Fowler said. "We've tried to improve in that area. We've pursued at better angles. People are playing their assignments.

"We've gotten some game experience under our belts, gained some confidence. I think we're playing extremely fast right now, which is something we want to continue to do."


Don't think, just play

Vanderbilt defense now gets big plays of its own - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 10/04/07