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NASHVILLE — The electric reaction from Vanderbilt fans when five-star freshman quarterback Jared Curtis entered the game for the first time on Saturday night may have signaled the obvious choice at the position, but the play-calling disparity made it even clearer.
When the Commodores' offense took the field against Austin Peay, Blaze Berlowitz was at the helm. The opening drive featured a conservative approach, with running back Sedrick Alexander receiving the first four handoffs, followed by MK Young taking the next two carries. The first pass attempt didn't occur until the seventh play, a jet sweep to Kayleb Barnett that gained 12 yards.
Over the course of that initial drive, Vanderbilt ran the ball 10 times out of 12 plays, resulting in a Brock Taylor field goal. In contrast, Curtis's first drive, which began with just 1:32 left in the second quarter and the Commodores leading 15-9, saw an immediate aerial attack. Curtis completed passes of 17 yards to JaCory Thomas, 5 yards to Jayvontay Conner, and 4 yards to Alexander before an incompletion on third down.
The difference in offensive philosophy was stark. Berlowitz led the offense for five of eight drives, attempting only 16 passes (including jet sweeps), while Curtis threw nine passes in just two drives. Despite Berlowitz's competent performance, he drew boos from the home crowd, though he didn't deserve them.
If Vanderbilt aims to maximize its offensive potential, Curtis must be the starter. While Berlowitz's experience and knowledge of the playbook are valuable, the offense appeared more willing to open up the passing game with Curtis under center. The Commodores' ground-heavy attack against Austin Peay may not suffice in SEC play, where defensive fronts are more formidable and running lanes are scarce.
Key Analysis
Curtis possesses the stronger, more talented arm, capable of making throws most quarterbacks can't. Although starting a freshman comes with inevitable growing pains, the long-term benefits of his development outweigh the risks. Vanderbilt's offense needs a legitimate passing threat to compete against elite SEC defenses, and Curtis provides that spark.
The coaching staff may have intentionally limited Berlowitz's throws to avoid showing too much on tape, but Curtis's arm talent is undeniable. Wasting drives without developing Curtis would be a miscalculation for the program's future. The best way for him to grow is through live-game experience, even if it means enduring some mistakes along the way.