As speculation swirls around Clark Lea’s future at Vanderbilt, the third-year coach insists his focus remains fixed on the field.
With reports indicating an extension could be nearing and that Vanderbilt leadership may be prepared to meet his vision for long-awaited facility upgrades, Lea continues to deflect attention back to his players and the Commodores’ push toward a strong finish.
“My fight is for this program first,” Lea said this week. “We don’t talk about anything external. We stay focused on where we are, who we are and the climb we’re on. They’ve been incredible that way.”
No. 14 Vanderbilt (8-2) will try to maintain that focus Saturday when it hosts Kentucky (5-5) in a pivotal late-November matchup. The Commodores enter with one of the nation’s more efficient offenses, averaging 38.3 points per game and ranking fifth nationally in third-down conversion rate (53.3%).
Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia is responsible for 3,053 total yards and 28 touchdowns and continues to drive a balanced attack.
Kentucky's defense is allowing just 23.1 points per game, though third-down struggles. The Wildcats lean on running back Seth McGowan, while freshman quarterback Cutter Boley looks to build on an efficient outing against Tennessee Tech.
With Vanderbilt chasing a potential New Year’s Six bowl and Lea’s name circulating in coaching circles, Saturday offers both a test of discipline and another opportunity to reinforce the program’s upward progress.
The Commodores and Wildcats face off in Nashville (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
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