2008 Vanderbilt Commodores
Written June 21, 2008 by Jason Lowry
There is plenty to get excited about if you are a college football fan, as the season continues to get closer and closer to the first kickoff. A team can change from on top to the bottom in a blink of an eye, Jason Lowry is ready to make his 2008 Vanderbilt Commodores football predictions, for a team that finished last in the SEC East at 2-6 and 5-7 overall. Head coach Bobby Johnson will have his hands full if he wants to get this team out of the bottom of the SEC, as they not only lost one of the best wide receivers the SEC has ever seen in Earl Bennett and left tackle Chris Williams, they only return 9 starters from last year’s squad. as well. Lets take a closer look at what the Commodores will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball in their upcoming season.
Offense:
This unit was near the bottom in most offensive categories, and it doesn’t look like it is going to get much better in 2008. Chris Nickson will likely get one last shot at the quarterback spot, but don’t be surprised if the team doesn’t move to the future with freshman Larry Smith. Junior Mackenzi Adams was the leading passer last season and could find his way as the starter yet again. The team will look for the duo of junior Jared Hawkins and senior Jeff Jennings to do the bulk of the running this season. The team did lose Bennett but will bring back the 2nd and 3rd best receivers from a year ago in seniors George Smith and Sean Walker. Where this team is going to hurt the most is the offensive line as they plan on bringing in 5 new starters. While many of the positions won’t be set until fall practices get underway, this offense is going to struggle to move the ball.
Defense:
The defense was pretty good last season, and likely the reason the team was able to win the 5 games it did. In 2008 they return 6 starters on this side of the ball and will need to continue to improve if they want any shot at winning this season. The defensive line will be led by ends Steven Stone and Broderick Steward. While stone was a solid starter last season, Steward will get his chance to shine after recording 6 sacks last season coming off the bench. The team only returns one starter at lineback in Patrick Benoist and the team is hoping that they can plug in some young talent to help them this season. Where the team is at its best is in the secondary, as they have one of the best corners in the country in junior DJ Moore. Playing along side Moore at the corner spot will be junior Myron Lewis. The team also has pretty good talent at safety in senior stong safety Reshard Langford.
Prediction: 6th In the SEC East
The Commodores are missing too much to have a chance in the SEC East. While there are a few teams they play in the SEC that they could beat, all come on the road. While this team could end up winning a game or two in their non conference schedule, we don’t know if they will be able to win any in the SEC. The team does have 32 juniors playing this season, so maybe they can bounce back in 2009 with a winning season.
For all you football fans looking to get an edge on the upcoming football season, head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also be sure to check back, as Jason Lowry will continue his run through the top teams and conferences in the country.
