Every year it seems one of the country’s brainiest institutions joins the upper echelon of college football usually populated by large state schools. Last year Wake Forest took everyone by surprise all the way to a berth in the Orange Bowl. While Vanderbilt hasn’t had a winning season since 1982, this is the most talented Commodore team since then and it has the pieces in place to surprise some teams in the SEC who widely regard the Commies as a punch line.
Projected Record and Bowl Result: 10-3 Beat Florida State in Music City Bowl
Who they’ll beat: Richmond (Home), Alabama (Home), Mississippi (Home), Eastern Michigan (Home), Georgia (Home), South Carolina (Road), Miami OH (Home), Kentucky (Home), Wake Forest (Home), Florida State (Nashville, TN)
Who’ll beat them: Auburn (Road), Florida (Road), Tennessee (Road)
When they Pass: Quarterback Chris Nickson filled in admirably for All-Everything Commodore Jay Cutler. He was helped by the future All-Time SEC leader in receptions Earl Bennett. Nickson and Bennett should be even more prolific in their second year together and are something for the Commies to get excited about.
When they Run: The running game was a focal point of spring practice and Vandy looks to be taking a duo approach between Jeff Jennings and Cassen Jackson-Garrison.
When their Opponents Run: The defensive line is a work in progress by linebacker Jonathan Goff is a potential First Round NFL Draft Pick.
When their Opponents Pass: Three of four starters return on the secondary which will attempt to avoid the big play against the powers of the SEC.
When they Kick: Kicker Bryan Hahnfeldt has been inconsistent throughout his career.
When they call Timeout: Bobby Johnson may be best known for his no-profanity policy in practices but he is doing a respectable job in one of the most disadvantageous of situations, being the nerd in the league of jocks. The Commodores managed to keep games close against some of the SEC’s best in 2006 and with a little bit more experience on their side, they could see a lot more wins and possibly a bowl berth.
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