2009 SEC Spring Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt is coming off their first bowl game in 25 years, now the big question is can they sustain success and get back to a bowl game in 2009?

Believe it or not, the Commodores return some solid players, and have a decent chance of making back-to-back bowl games, but as always the schedule is a tough one.

Here's a look at Vanderbilt in 2009.

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

2008 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 6-6

*Beat Boston College in Music City Bowl

Three easiest games in 2009

1. Western Carolina 9/5

2. at Army 10/10

3. at Rice 9/26

For Vanderbilt, their only chance of making a bowl game most years is going 4-0 in their non-conference games; they can't afford to drop one.

Western Carolina should be a win, at Army should be a win, but won't be easy. The game at Rice is an intriguing one.

The Owls come off a bowl win last year, so that could be a big game for the Commodores in terms of their bowl hopes.

Three hardest games in 2009

1. at Florida 11/7

2. at LSU 9/12

3. Georgia 10/17

We will find out very quickly if this Commodore team is ready to compete in the SEC in 2009 with a road trip to Baton Rouge very early on.

The last time the Georgia Bulldogs traveled to Nashville, they barely escaped with a win, so that maybe the shot for the Dores to pull an upset.

Then a game in Gainesville in November doesn't look promising. The Gators will be playing for the SEC East title, and maybe a national title at that point, so good luck Vanderbilt, tough spot.

Top Offensive and Defensive Players

Top Offensive Player: RB Jared Hawkins, Senior

Hawkins is a very underrated back that was a key part int he Commodores upsetting some teams in 2008.

His ability to create some yards on the ground was key in getting Vanderbilt to a bowl game last season. Hawkins rushed for almost 600 yards last season, averaging over four yards per carry, while he totaled five touchdowns.

Top Defensive Player: CB Myron Lewis, Senior

With the loss of NFL-bound DJ Moore, Lewis has to take on a new level of play in 2009. Lewis returns at corner ready to be the next Vandy corner headed to the NFL, and comes off a really solid season that may have gotten overlooked because of Moore.

Lewis recorded 76 tackles in 2008, to go along with five sacks and five interceptions. He will be a key cog in that good Vanderbilt secondary.

2009 Breakout Player will be...

QB Larry Smith, Redshirt Sophomore, 6'2, 220

Smith battled Mackenzi Adams last year for Vanderbilt's starting quarterback job, and Smith wasn't quite consistent enough to take the job, although he did earn a start in the Music City Bowl.

He comes into the summer of 2009 still locked in a battle with Adams, but he might be in the lead and he has the ability to make a big difference. Smith is very athletic, with the ability to run and make something out of nothing.

This kid won a high school state title in Alabama as a senior so he's a winner, watchout for Larry Smith in 2009.

Strength and Concerns

No. 1 Strength: Defensive Backs

The Commodores lose corner DJ Moore and safety Reshard Langford to the NFL, but return veterans like corner Myron Lewis, and safety Ryan Hamilton. Talented newcomer to the lineup Sean Richardson will be a good player as well.

While Lewis is probably the more appealing player to NFL scouts eyes, Hamilton might be the most productive. Ryan Hamilton is coming off a 100 plus tackle season, and is really poised for a big senior season as a safety.

No. 1 Concern: Running Back Depth

While Jared Hawkins does return, the depth behind his is unproven, and in the SEC, you better have at least two or three backs ready to carry the rock.

Rising junior Kennard Reeves had a solid spring leading the Commodores in rushing in the three spring games, as did fellow junior Gaston Miller. Don't be surprised if the Commodores count on a freshman to come in and make an impact if needed as well.

2009 will be a successful season if...

The Commodores make a bowl game. Once you make your first bowl game in 25 years, the bar has been raised and the fans will want you to at least get back to that level the next year. So another 6-6 season and bowl game has to be expected.

Vanderbilt returns their quarterbacks, a talented secondary, and a solid offensive line. The question will be can they repeat their performances of last year in upsetting normally solid SEC teams to become bowl eligible?

If they drop a non conference game to Rice or Army, then it becomes very difficult for a bowl game to happen. They do have to travel to South Carolina in 2009, a team they upset last season at home.

Combine that with road games at LSU, Florida, and Tennessee, and add in a non-conference game against Georgia Tech at home, and the Commodores schedule won't be easy.

Consistent quarterback play will be the difference in the start of another streak of missed bowl games, or a trip to their second straight postseason game.