Tuesday, June 3, 2008

SEC Rundown: Vanderbilt University

In 2007 the Commodores were 5-7 overall and 2-6 in conference play. For 2008, they are returning 3 starters on offense and 6 on defense. Top returners include All SEC cornerback D.J. Moore, as well as all returning starters in the secondary. Vandy's defense will keep them in games, and it will certainly have to. There is no clear cut starter a quarterback, although both Mackenzi Adams and Chris Nickson had significant playing time last year. The biggest concern on the offensive side of the ball is that all 5 starters on the offensive line are gone. There is talent there, and even some experience, but no cohesiveness. It will be difficult for the 'Dores to find another 5 games this year on their schedule they can win. Vanderbilt does have talent because they have recruited well the last several years. They just don't have it as deep as the perennial powers in the SEC. Bobby Johnson has done a fantastic job of convincing his players that they now can win games in the conference. They are not the league's easy homecoming opponent they once were. They have been building for a long time during Johnson's tenure, and for once this year they might get to say they are actually rebuilding to some degree. He has brought them a long way. But they have a long way to go still.

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