Opposition Research: An Insider's rough take on Vanderbilt

Record aside, was there any other reason Derek Mason was let go as head coach? How surprised were you by the timing?

Lee: "It was simply the seven years of losing seasons and a 10-44 Southeastern Conference record.

"I researched every Power 5 school since World War II to see how many times a coach has had seven straight losing seasons. It's happened one other time: Doug Weaver at Kansas State in the 1960s, when K-State was as bad at football as it gets. Weaver didn't get a seventh.

"You get the point. Even schools that don't have success have a breaking point, and Vanderbilt did, too."

Who are the candidates to be the new head coach, and what are your best guesses?

Lee: "My top three are Clark Lea (Notre Dame defensive coordinator), Will Healy (Charlotte coach) and Jamey Chadwell (Coastal Carolina), and I'd take someone from that group against the field. All three have strong interest, and the first two have Vanderbilt ties. VU may move quickly on this one, so we'll see."

What was the real reason for giving Sarah Fuller her opportunity? Was there a legitimate need? How did her teammates feel about the entire situation? Is she going to play this weekend?