2015 SEC East Preview: Tennessee Vols On Top
7. Vanderbilt Commodores
All of that momentum that James Franklin had created in Nashville is gone. It was long gone on opening night last season for Commodore fans as they saw Temple whip Vanderbilt up and down the field. If we are being honest, Vanderbilt was lucky to win two games last year. They squeaked out wins over Charleston Southern and UMass and managed to beat Old Dominion by two touchdowns.
Oct 19, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Steven Clarke (12) and defensive end Caleb Azubike (55) Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
There were a few “moral victories,” if you will. They played Missouri tough for virtually the entire game. They went toe to toe with South Carolina, scoring 34 points. They put up perhaps their best defensive performance of the season against a hot Tennessee offense, limiting them to just 17 offensive points.
Hopefully, Derek Mason learned something last season. He had one of the quickest hooks in all of football, rotating quarterbacks like relief pitchers. Whether it’s Wade Freebeck or Johnny McCrary — just pick one and stick with him.
Ralph Webb will lead the rushing attack, following up a decent Freshman campaign. The Commodores are lacking play makers and need someone to emerge from the crowd. C.J. Duncan and Latevius Rayford figure to be the best bets. Vanderbilt will return four starters from 2014 on the offensive line, a group that struggled mightily throughout last season.
Derek Mason made a big change on defense, as he will now be serving as the defensive coordinator. He will ask a lot out of a decently talented front seven group. Caleb Azubike is the best of the bunch, but struggled in his first season in Mason’s scheme. Stephen Weatherly provided Vanderbilt with an edge presence last season and figured to be a key part of Mason’s plan this year.
Unless something changes, there are really only about four winnable games on Vanderbilt’s schedule. They will need to capitalize on their weaker non-conference opponents to have an outside shot at a bowl game. Winning their opener could prove to be tough, as an experienced opponent in Western Kentucky looks to knock off an SEC team. It should be another tough year in Nashville.