Ole Miss Rebels vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Week 9: Defensive Players To Watch

Vanderbilt returns several defensive names, but still needs a bit more juice.

After a season where it looked as if Vanderbilt was turning the corner defensively, it's back to reality in Nashville.

The Commodores have lost six straight since starting the year 2-0. Every opponent has scored at least 36 points and totaled at least 365 of offense. Missouri and Georgia sent Vandy to the woodchipper, totaling over 500 yards while putting up at least 24 points by halftime.

Vandy added several names via the transfer portal this offseason but also returned nearly 56 percent of last year's production. Optimism was high going into Year 3 under Clark Lea. Results have been low — lower than Vanderbilt's defensive stats among SEC programs.

No. 12 Ole Miss, who closes the chapter on the "Khaki Bowl" era this Saturday, are the heavy favorites heading into Week 9. Could this be considered a trap game entering November? After all, sights could be set on the next two weeks with matchups against a pesky Texas A&M defense and the No. 1 Bulldogs on the horizon, so any slip-up could lead to success for the Commodores in Oxford.

Follow along with TheGroveReport.com as we preview every aspect of Ole Miss' matchup with the Commodores throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Oct. 28.

Now, let's take a look at the highlight players in Lea's defense. 

Vanderbilt defensive end Nate Clifton (15) puts pressure on Alabama A&M quarterback Xavier Lankford (16) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn :: © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Defensive Leaders

DL Nate Clifton

Clifton continues to add pressure into the backfield against opposing quarterbacks. He leads the team in tackles for loss (6.0) and sacks (3.5) through seven games. Clifton also is coming off his best performance in conference play, recording three tackles and a sack against Georgia. 

LB CJ Taylor

Taylor leads the team in tackles with 52 stops and ranks second in sacks with three stops. Sneaky in coverage, Taylor also has notched two interceptions, including one against Bulldogs' Carson Beck in a 37-20 loss at home. 

CB Trudell Berry

A sophomore from Baytown, Texas, Berry carries that Lone Star State swagger in Nashville. He's not much for causing interceptions, but he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball. In five games, Berry's broken up three passes.

DB De’Rickey Wright

Wright led the team last season in both pass breakups and interceptions. New year, same result. In six games, Wright's totaled a pair of picks to match his two forced fumbles. Both interceptions came at the start of the season against Hawaii.