SEC Pre-Season Capsules: An In-Depth Look at the Vanderbilt Commodores

Columnist Written on July 05, 2009

Slide 1 of 11

If you stand right now and claim you expected the season the Vanderbilt Commodores had in 2008, there is one thing I can assure you of—you're in the minority.

However, if you are like me, the fall progressed a little in this fashion.

Seeing Vandy pull out the 24-17 win over then No. 24-ranked South Carolina brought the comment, "That's nice. Good to see them get an SEC win under their belts."

For the Commodores to travel to Oxford, manage another win in similar fashion against Mississippi (23-17) to win their second consecutive SEC victory probably raised your eyebrows a bit.

Sure, it was a new staff at Ole Miss. But, a road win for the 'Dores?

Then, the weekend that may have defined the Auburn Tigers season.

ESPN's Gameday crew visits Nashville for the first time.

The Commodores pull a stunning come-from-behind victory to knock off the 13th-ranked Tigers 14-13.

"Are you kidding me? Did I just witness what I thought I did?"

But, alas, the Vanderbilt team we are all accustomed to finally arrived on the scene.

Despite starting the 2008 season 5-0, the 'Dores finished their campaign losing six of their last seven contests.

Ah, but they did make it to their first bowl game in decades, beating another ranked opponent, Boston College, 16-14, in what was essentially a "trip around the block" for the Music City Bowl.

What does 2009 bring?

Do we see the Vanderbilt that started the season winning their first five ball games?

Or, do we see a team that mirrors the latter half of the fall of 2008?

In the first of our 12-part series on the SEC in 2009, here's an in-depth look at the Vanderbilt Commodores.

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written on July 05, 2009 Preview/Prediction

Bleacher Report has a featured columnist opening for Vanderbilt Football.

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SEC Pre-Season Capsules: An In-Depth Look at the Vanderbilt Commodores

CrimsonTusks.com

SEC Pre-Season Capsules: An In-Depth Look at the Vanderbilt Commodores

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