Chris

Pierce Jr.

Both Sheppard and Chris Pierce (9-103) had monster games against the awful Connecticut defense, but it was Sheppard who was able to find the end zone twice. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound wideout has his first two touchdowns of the season, and with his size -- and the fact that Vandy is going to need to throw the football to stay in games -- make him likely to add a few more going forward. His next chance comes against Florida, however, and that will be much tougher sledding.

Pierce (6'4"/231) continues to show off his abilities even on a struggling team. The quarterback situation for the Commodores is not ideal, but his size and athleticism are going to earn him a shot to play in the NFL next year. He’s currently leading the team in receiving yards. Vanderbilt will host Georgia next Saturday.

Pierce Jr (6'4"/231) didn’t have the biggest stat line tonight, but what he provided was more than that. The redshirt senior showed excellent hands and body control on multiple highlight-reel catches in big situations to help the Commodores take down the Rams, breaking their 11 game losing streak. Vanderbilt hosts Stanford next Saturday, where Pierce Jr. will have to have a big game to start a winning streak.

Johnson (6'0/185) may not have reached the end zone, but he did lead the Commodores in receptions, receiving yards and targets (13). The junior was also one of three to catch at least six passes on the day, with RB Keyon Henry-Brooks (9-97-0) and WR Chris Pierce (6-76-1) being the others. For the season Johnson, who hit double figures in receptions for the second straight game, has caught 33 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown. He’ll look to help get Vanderbilt into the win column for the first time this season when the Commodores visit Kentucky next week.