Vanderbilt names Orion Irving starting tackle for Austin Peay opener

Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea announced that veteran Orion Irving will start at tackle over highly-touted transfer Beau Johnson in the team's season opener against Austin Peay, citing Irving's camp performance and improvement. Irving, who played 107 snaps last season after transferring in as a depth piece, was praised by Lea as one of the most improved players on the team. Lea noted Irving's positional flexibility will allow Johnson to still get involved in a rotation up front. Austin Peay enters the game with experience after beating Gardner Webb 35-17, which Lea acknowledged as a challenge. Vanderbilt will also see the return of receivers Cole Adams and Ja'Cory Thomas from injuries for Saturday's game.