I'm an optimist, but the absolute best-case scenario for Vanderbilt is nothing to boast about.
If the stars align just right, Vandy will be going 6-6 this year with a possibility of making it to a bowl game. They have taken a hard hit due to graduation, an early departure from Earl Bennett, and injuries this spring.
Vandy's offense is up in the air right now. The starting quarterback slot is unfilled right now with Mackenzi Adams or Chris Nickson looking to take the reigns.
The big boys in front are all new-commers after all five of last year's starters graduated, including first-round draft pick Chris Williams.
And to top it all off, the Southeastern Conference's all-time leading receptions leader is no longer around to be the bail-out guy.
This team will rely on their defense to carry them. While this may be asking too much, the secondary is full of veteran SEC talent led by D.J. Moore.
The lightning-fast corners are accompanied by an excellent defensive line that is quick enough off the snap to generate a solid pass rush against the best of teams.
Expect to see DEs Broderick Stewart and Steven Stone find their way to the quarterback regularly.
Realistically, the Commodores will most likely end up with five wins under their belt and a good season to learn from. I expect these guys to be bowling in two years.
This year, the team is too young and needs time to grow together. This season is already being written off as a training exercise.
Like Justin Hokanson said, "Maybe Next Year."
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4 months ago
But it's pretty much "maybe next year" every year for Vandy. They always seem like they are right on the verge but never quite get over the hump.
The front 7 of their D only returns 2 starters, so that--coupled with their excellent secondary--makes me think teams are going to run it down their throats all game long, keeping the defense on the field way too much. And with a brand new o-line, several early 3 and outs are likely on the horizon.
I imagine time of possession will not be pretty for Vandy this year.
The only big positive is that their schedule allows them time to get ready for the meat of their toughest competition.
from 4 months ago
Tim is right. Every year they play pretty good, and they're rarely blown out of any games. Occasionally they'll manage to beat a good team, like they did against Georgia not too long ago. They never can "get over the hump".
It seems like that would make it awfully difficult to convince blue chip guys to sign with your team. Unless they were more interested in getting a good job in the corporate world, instead of the NFL.
4 months ago
Ummmmm we have several players in the NFL right now. Jamie Winborn, Matt Stewart, Justin Geisinger, Todd Yoder, Theo Horroks, Chris Williams, Earl Bennett, Jon Goff, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Corey Chavous and that Jay Cutler guy.
GO DORES!!!!
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