2010 Vanderbilt Football Predictions
After making their first bowl game since 1982 the Vanderbilt Commodores quickly came
back to reality and finished up the 2009 season at 2-10 and were just 0-8 in SEC play. Things don't exactly look all that good for the 2010 season, as the Commodores have just 11 starters back. To get a better idea of what the Commodores will look like this season, here is a quick breakdown of what they will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the SEC East.
Offense:
The Commodores really struggled to get much going in the passing game in 2009, as starter Larry Smith completed just 47 % of his passes for 1,126 yards with only four touchdowns to seven interceptions. Smith is excepted to return as the starter in 2010, but I can't imagine the Commodores will put up with another year like that if Smith gets off to a bad start.
The Commodores have a couple of talented young players back in the running game this season, as they welcome back their top performers from 2009 in sophomores Warren Norman and Zac Stacy. Norman was the feature back and finished with 783 yards and three scores, while Stacy added 478 yards and three scores as the primary backup. I look for both of these guys to get plenty of touches this season, but could actually see their numbers drop with a weak offensive line expected to step on the field this season.
The Commodores do get three starters back in the passing game this season, as wide outs John Cole and Udom Umoh both return, along with junior tight end Brandon Barden. Red-shirt freshman Brady Brown is expected to find his way into the starting lineup this season, and he adds a huge frame to the mix at 6'5 210 lbs.
The offensive line is a big concern for the Commodores, as they have just one starter back from the 2009 season. This really hurts the progress of both Smith and the two sophomore backs, as it really makes it difficult to move the ball when you can't get a push up front. If this unit surprise so will the Commodores this season.
Defense:
Only five starters return to the defensive unit, so it looks like it will be a bit of a down year for this side of the ball as well. However the Commodores should be strong up front, as they return junior defensive end Tim Fugger and senior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman. Added to the starting lineup will be junior defensive tackle TJ Greenstone and senior defensive end Theron Kadri, as both played well in limited playing time last season.
At linebacker the Commodores will feature one of the top middle linebackers in the SEC in junior Chris Marve, who led the Commodores with 121 tackles, including 5.5 that went for a loss. The problem is he is the only starter back, as senior John Stokes and sophomore DeAndre Jones are expected to make their way into the starting lineup at the two outside linebacker spots.
Two more starters return in the secondary in junior corner Casey Hayward and junior strong safety Sean Richardson. Expected to join the defensive backfield is junior Jamie Graham at corner and red-shirt freshman Jay Fullam at free safety. This unit wasn't tested all that much last year, as teams had no need to pass the ball against this defense.
SEC East Prediction 6th: The offense does have some potential, but I really think the offensive line is going to hold them back this season, and the defense looks like it is going to have a hard time stopping just about any team in the SEC. I look for Vanderbilt to win maybe 1-2 games this season and will likely go winless in conference play again.
For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out our
2010 SEC predictions.
If you are looking to make some money betting the
college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert
college football picks.
2010 Vanderbilt Football Predictions
By: Jack Jones
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