Two key questions regarding MTSU's football team going into the 2017 season were had a hapless Blue Raider defense improved and had it effectively replaced an offensive line that lost three starters.
Based on Saturday night's results, the questions remain.
MTSU's defense, which allowed 40 points a game in conference play last season, was riddled early by Vanderbilt, and the Blue Raider offense was lifeless in a 28-6 loss at Floyd Stadium.
The offensive line failed to pave the way for an effective running game and did a poor job protecting quarterback Brent Stockstill. It wasn't all on the line as running backs missed blocks as well, and for most of the game the receivers couldn't get any separation from Vanderbilt defenders.