Crimson Red Sports

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TUSCALOOSA | Mr. Football is coming home. To his home state, that is.

Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith, a Prattville, Ala., native, will get the only shot at his home-state school of his career Saturday when the Commodores visit the University of Alabama. And the former Mr. Football Award winner will come with perhaps the highest level of confidence he's had since he arrived at Vandy.

"Obviously, Larry does a good job of directing their offense. They're sort of a no-huddle (offense), lot of checks, looking at the sidelines coming back. He gets them in the right play," said UA coach Nick Saban.

Smith is also capable of hurting defenses as a runner. Vanderbilt has struggled to protect its passers this season, allowing an average of four sacks per game, which makes Smith's escapability all the more valuable. Smith has gained 100 rushing yards for the year, but sack yardage has his net total in the negative.

"Footwork and staying disciplined," linebacker Courtney Upshaw said when asked about handling Smith's ability to run. "You have to read your keys and execute your job."

Smith has completed 57 percent of his passes (50 of 87) this season to help the Commodores to a 3-1 start. Saban said the Vandy pass offense runs a lot of screen plays to complement what has been a solid rushing attack.