What's next for Vanderbilt after loss to Texas Longhorns in Week 9? Closer look at Commodores' 2024 schedule

Vanderbilt has witnessed a largely unexpected rise this season. The Southeastern Conference underdogs have become a force to reckon after staging a couple of upsets this season with the most notable being the historic win against Alabama.

The Commodores welcomed SEC newcomer Texas to Nashville in Week 9. The Longhorns have been one of the best teams this season, but Vanderbilt gave them a tough contest on Saturday, and Texas got away with a narrow 27-24 victory.

Saturday's performance has again increased the reputation of the program this season. They currently boast a 5-3 record and have their sights on qualifying for a bowl game. With one more win, the Commodores will be in their first bowl game since the 2018 season.

Vanderbilt's route to a bowl game qualification

Vanderbilt's route to a bowl game qualification looks tough but achievable considering the program's performance this season. The program has four games in conference play to go and they only need to pull another upset in one of them to reach their goal.

The Commodores will square up against Auburn next weekend as this comes as their best shot at sealing a bowl game spot. The Tigers have underwhelmed this season as they continue to deal with significant offensive struggles, especially in the quarterback role.

Clark Lea’s team welcomes South Carolina to Nashville in the following week and there's also a good chance of an upset in this game. The Gamecocks have been inconsistent this season, showing a glimpse of brilliance in some games while being outplayed in a few others.

Vanderbilt’s last two games of the season will be on the road at LSU and a home game against in-state rival Tennessee. The chances of an upset in these games are pretty low but not impossible considering the Commodores’ outing against Alabama and Texas.

The slow rise to prominence under Clark Lea

Vanderbilt’s rise under the leadership of Clark Lea has been applaudable. The coach took over the program in 2021 after a zero-win season under Derek Mason.

Lea did not start well as he ended his first season with a 2-10 record before improving to a 5-7 record in 2022. The trajectory went backward in 2023 with another 2-10 finish. Nonetheless, the Commodores seem to be on the right track at the moment.

With a 5-3 record, the team finds itself on the brink of a bowl game qualification as well as its first winning season since 2013.