Music City Bowl Preview | Playmakers

                 DJ Moore (Photo from Getty Images)

Offense

QB Chris Nickson

Assuming Nickson starts over Mackenzie Adams, BC should prepare to face a very mobile quaterback who makes plays happen with his feet. Nickson ran for 485 yards this year in somewhat limited action (he missed a lot of time due to injury) and has proven he is definetly a playmaker on the ground. However, Nickson is not so much of a playmaker with his arm. He only threw for 545 yards on the season (Vanderbilt threw for under 1500 as a team) and had only one game where he threw for over 100 yards. Nickson also completed under 50% of his passes on the year. So the eagles might have some major issues containing his running ability, but shouldn't have issues with his passing ability.

How To Stop Him: We need to make Nickson beat us in the air and over the top. Having a couple of quick defensive backs spy on him throughout the game wouldn't be a bad idea either

Defense

CB Myron Lewis

This 6'3" junior defensive backs was one of the best in the SEC this past year. He used his imposing frame to out-muscle receivers on his way to tallying 4 interceptions on the year. Lewis, wasn't only great against defending the pass, but he was also great on pass rush and against the run. Lewis had 5 sacks on the year to go along with 7 tackles for loss and 72 tackles overall. Lewis should definitely play a role in Vanderbilt's defense Wednesday.

CB/KR/PR DJ Moore

DJ Moore pretty much defines what a playmaker is from a Vanderbilt perspective. Moore looked to build upon his stellar sophomore year (6 INTs, 25.7 yards per kick return) this year and did just that. He is tied for 6th in the nation in interceptions per game, with 6 total on the year in 12 games. But intercept passes isn't all Moore does, he is also a stellar punt returner. Currently ranking 12th in the nation in yards per punt return with 14.4, Moore makes plays happen on special teams. Moore also plays a role on offense with 8 rushes for 73 yards on the year as well has 7 receptions for 143 yards and 2TDs (all receiving yards came in the final three games).