Clark Lea assesses Vanderbilt's performance after 17-13 halftime lead over LSU

Clark Lea and No. 17 Vanderbilt held a 17-13 lead over No. 10 LSU Saturday at halftime and were feeling pretty good going into the break. Following a lengthy drive ending in a field goal, Vanderbilt knew they could move the ball.

Not only that, the Commodores’ defense started to settle in after giving up a long touchdown in the second quarter. If they are able to keep it up, perhaps Vanderbilt could get an upset win and vault up Sunday’s AP Poll.

Lea referenced a seven-play, 50 yard drive that ended in points. He pointed out the solid play of QB Diego Pavia.

“That was a huge drive and really well executed by our offensive staff and Diego,” Lea said to ESPN’s Katie George. “So that’s good momentum for us going to half. Obviously, getting possession coming out will be an important drive for us.”

Since LSU made it 10-7, the Vanderbilt defense held the Tigers to a missed field goal and then a made field goal on the two ensuing possessions. With Lea’s squad getting the ball to start the second half, another score would be paramount.

“It seems like the defense is settling in,” Lea said. “I liked how they finished that half. I think, obviously they got the long touchdown on the screen where we were blitzing, that’s going to happen. We just need to keep playing the way we’re playing. I like the way the defense line didn’t rush. I think we’re doing better against the run. We got to come out and score and give our defense a chance to make some big stops for us so we win the game.”

Pavia was eight-of-13 passing for 124 yards, as well as 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Sedrick Alexander scored the other touchdown and had nine carries for 18 yards.

On the flip side, Lea’s defense gave up 42 rushing yards to Harlem Berry but gave up 118 yards and a  touchdown to QB Garrett Nussmeier. Neither team forced a turnover.

Lea mentioned the defense settling in. One spot where Vanderbilt might want to adjust is their third down defense after giving up four-of-seven conversions in the first half.