In the season opener for Vanderbilt football, head coach Clark Lea utilized both quarterbacks, Blaze Berlowitz and Jared Curtis, in a decisive 28-9 victory over Austin Peay on September 5 at FirstBank Stadium. Following the game, Lea expressed his satisfaction with the performances of both players during the postgame press conference.
Blaze Berlowitz showcased his dual-threat capabilities, completing 11 of 16 passes for 149 yards while also contributing significantly on the ground with 11 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. Jared Curtis, on the other hand, demonstrated efficiency, going 7-for-9 for 60 yards and adding 22 rushing yards on three attempts. The contrasting styles of the two quarterbacks were evident, with Berlowitz favoring a run-heavy approach, while Curtis brought a faster tempo and a focus on passing.
Lea noted that the offensive dynamics shifted depending on which quarterback was on the field. Berlowitz led two of the three touchdown drives, with the third touchdown coming from a punt return. The variety in offensive strategy allowed Vanderbilt to keep Austin Peay's defense guessing throughout the game.
Fans at FirstBank Stadium were particularly vocal in their support for Jared Curtis, erupting in cheers whenever he took the field. The crowd's enthusiasm peaked when Curtis ran for a first down, showcasing his physicality by powering through an Austin Peay defender, prompting chants of "let's go Jared!" from the stands.
While Lea appreciated the passion and energy from the Vanderbilt fanbase, he made it clear that such external influences would not dictate his decisions regarding the starting quarterback. "I appreciate the passion, I appreciate the energy, the interest. I don’t ever, ever put any stock in the external parts of this," Lea stated. He emphasized that his focus remains on making the best decisions for the team, regardless of fan sentiment.
Lea's comments highlight the balance coaches must strike between engaging with passionate supporters and maintaining control over team decisions. As the season progresses, the competition between Berlowitz and Curtis will likely continue to be a focal point for both the coaching staff and the fans.
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