WR Jordan Matthews: Record-setting wide receiver Jordan Matthews will play the final
game of his collegiate career in the BBVA Compass Bowl. Matthews is not only the
most statistically prolific receiver in SEC history, but he is also the most talented wide
receiver since A.J. Green played for the Georgia Bulldogs. Matthews will once again be
double- and tripled-covered, and he will once again have a big game.
QB Patton Robinette: Austyn Carta-Samuels has played his last
game for the Commodores, and Robinette will get an early
audition for the 2014 season. So far this season, Robinette has
completed 40 of 69 passes for 488 yards, two touchdowns and
three interceptions. He doesn’t have to be great in the Compass
Bowl, but he must be mistake-free in the turnover department.
S Kenny Ladler: It amazes me that Ladler is not yet a household name. A first-team
All-SEC selection, Ladler led the league in forced fumbles (5) and finished second in
interceptions (5) as well. Moreover, Ladler led the Commodores in both total tackles
(87) and solo stops (61). Houston has two very good wide receivers, and Ladler will
need to assist in coverage to shut the Cougars down.
CB Andre Hal: For the second consecutive season, Hal is second in the conference
with 14 passes defended. He also compiled 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two
interceptions. Houston wide receiver Deontay Greenberry will have to fight for every
yard against the Commodores with Hal on the field.
DE Caleb Azubike: The sophomore defensive end has emerged as one of the best
defensive ends in the SEC. He leads Vanderbilt in tackles for loss (10) and is second in
sacks (4). If Azubike has a big game, the Commodores will be headed back to Nashville
with back-to-back bowl wins.