Over the past decade, there’s only one team Vanderbilt has played every season and managed a winning record against -- Ole Miss. The Rebels, Vandy’s designated SEC West rival, have struggled with the Commodores since the turn of the millennium.
James Franklin was 2-1 against Mississippi in his career. Robbie Caldwell, amazingly, was 1-0. Derek Mason, following in their footsteps, can improve to .500 against the Rebels with a win on Saturday.
Mason’s Vanderbilt team has struggled as its level of competition increased exponentially the last three weeks. The ‘Dores ran through a gauntlet of top 25 teams and came out 1-3; the goodwill of a win over Kansas State was erased by blowout losses to Alabama and Georgia.