Will

Sheppard

Havrisik hit 4-of-4 field goals and 7-of-9 extra points this year, and the Packers seemed to be developing him as kicker of the future — whatever that means in the NFL — while letting him stay on the practice squad. With Brandon McManus’ job officially under scrutiny, it’s possible he eventually gets the Packers kicker gig.

Sheppard (6'3"/200) showed off the big play potential that the Commodores have been sorely lacking, catching passes of 50 and 52 yards. The 50-yarder saw Sheppard beat his man badly down the sideline and showed some good wiggle after the catch. That was a preview of his next big play, where he took a short comeback route 52 yards after shedding a would be tackler and winning the ensuing footrace. Sheppard has been something of a bright spot for Vanderbilt, and he was definitely the offense spark in this game. Sheppard will hope to continue busting big plays next week versus Mississippi State.

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.