Vanderbilt-Duke: Commodores Look to End Embarrassing Bowl Vacancy

Vanderbilt enters Saturday's contest facing what could arguably be their biggest game of the season. Vandy is currently riding a two-game losing streak after opening up 5-0 and surging to the program's highest ranking in decades at No. 13.

The situation Vanderbilt finds itself in seems eerily similar to the 2005 season, when Vanderbilt opened up the season 4-0 before losing six of their last seven. Consequently, Vandy missed a bowl bid for what was then the 22nd straight year. That streak has now reached 24 straight seasons, which is the longest among BCS conferences.

Now the question lingers as to whether 2005 will repeat itself. The Commodore faithful is staying hopeful, but if Vandy drops what should be a routine home win against the Blue Devils on Saturday, the panic button might be pushed.

The Commodores are one elusive win from ending an embarrassing streak. But Saturday's game in nothing but elusive. This is not your typical Duke football team. Led by former Tennessee coordinator David Cutcliffe, Duke is playing inspired football. They were just a four-point loss to Northwestern away from starting 4-0.

Vanderbilt will most likely stick with junior quarterback Mackenzi Adams, who has shown some promise since taking over for Chris Nickson in the win against Auburn. The defense is not the highlight of Duke's team, giving up 24 points a game.

The offense, which is Cutcliffe's bread and butter, is vastly improved from previous seasons. Duke will put points on the board against Vandy's "bend but don't break" defense. If Vandy's offense struggles like it has in the previous two games, look for a close game going into the fourth quarter.

Whoever wins the turnover battle will most likely win this game. Vanderbilt's defense thrives off of turnovers. Playmaker D.J. Moore is arguably one of the best corners in the SEC—look for him to contribute to some game-changing plays on defense.

Losing is not an option come Saturday against Duke. A loss could send this team into a tailspin that it may not be able to climb out of, resulting in...dare I say it...another losing season.

However, this is not the typical Vandy team besides two straight losses. This team has been competitive in every game it has played. The team has also shown resiliency all season. In every game this season, the Commodores have found themselves trailing, and they are still carrying a 5-2 record. That shows resiliency.

Prediction: Vandy bounces back in a big way in a close win over Duke, 24-21.