VANDERBILT 14, AUBURN 13: STARS OF THE GAME

MACKENZI ADAMS: Let's face it, we couldn't run the ball against the Tigers and MacKenzi Adams was the right man to ramp up the Commodore passing attack. He's a more accurate passer than Nickson. His two touchdown passes — the first to Justin Wheeler and the second to Brandon Barden — were things of beauty. He took care of the ball until the last drive and then was quick to fall on the rock when it got away from him.

THE OFFENSIVE LINE: The ESPN announcers were gushing about Auburn's blue chip offensive line and constantly reminding viewers that none of Vanderbilt's linemen were returning starters. But the Commodore line protected Vandy quarterbacks and gave up only one sack to the Tiger's five. Also, Vandy runners picked up 3.3 yards against the Tigers scary defensive front, compared to 2.5 for the Tigers.

CHRIS NICKSON: Just when he started shaking and baking and picking up big yardage against the Tigers, the Commodores quarterback took himself out of the game because his shoulder didn't feel right and he knew he couldn't make the right throws. It's tough to take yourself out, and Nickson arguably cost his team last season by trying to stick it out when he wasn't physically able.

BRANDON BARDEN: The big freshman tight end made a huge play at the end of the first half when he grabbed a pass and then dove over the imaginary first down line and then another huge play at the start of the second half when he jumped over two Tigers and snagged what would become the game-winning touchdown.

BRETT UPSON: The punter pinned the Tigers deep into their own territory several times late in the game, and most notably back to the three yard line with about a minute remaining in the game. The Tigers would throw an interception on the next play.

MYRON LEWIS: "The other cornerback" had a big sack in the fourth quarter and then iced the game by intercepting a Chris Todd pass intended for Rodgeriques Smith.
D.J. MOORE: His dazzling punt return late in the first half pumped some life into the Commodores and put them within striking distance of the end zone.

PATRICK BENOIST: Playing with a big old club cast on one of his paws, Benoist chalked up 13 tackles, including two for losses and a sack.

RYAN HAMILTON: The star of the Ole Miss game had 10 tackles and a sack in this one.

CHRIS MARVE: The freshman linebacker from Memphis racked up 10 tackles.