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2009 Vanderbilt Football Predictions

Written June 16, 2009 by InfoPlays

vanderbilt-football-predictions-2009 Vanderbilt’s defense will have to keep the team in games because the offense is still finding its footing, particular if Larry Smith is the starter at quarterback. Far from wide open under optimal circumstances, the Commodores might not generate a lot of points with their run-first offense. Vandy has to win the games it’s expected to win in order to make a second straight bowl appearance in 2009. As for the 2010 NCAA Championship, the Commodores have been listed at +5000 odds (as “The Field”, or any team not listed with their own odds) to win the title.

Offense: Vanderbilt’s line play will mostly dictate their offense’s production. All five projected starters played last season, starting together in the final four games, which included a win at Kentucky that clinched bowl eligibility. Reilly Lauer has settled at left tackle after switching sides of the ball, entrenched at defensive end when he came here. That allows Kyle Fischer to move inside to left guard. On the right side, Thomas Welch is at tackle while Eric Hensley moves from tackle to guard. Senior co-captain Bradley Vierling holds down the center spot. The experienced line will help take some of the pressure off of young quarterback Larry Smith. He made his collegiate debut in the regular-season finale against Wake Forest and started in the Music City Bowl. Fifth-year senior Mackenzi Adams gives the Commodores a reliable backup.

Jared Hawkins led the team with a career-high 593 yards rushing as a junior, and he’ll be healthy after a foot injury that sidelined him for the final two games and spring practice. Backing Hawkins will be Kennard Reeves, Gaston Miller and Jermaine Doster who will all be battling it out for carries. Brandon Barden caught 28 passes in ‘08, and Austin Monahan is a second option at receiver. Transfer receivers Tray Herndon and Terence Jeffers will have an opportunity to make an impact in the passing game. Senior Alex Washington is a deep-ball threat, as is Udom Umoh and John Cole.

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Defense: The Vanderbilt Commodores defense allowed under 20 points/game last season, and though they return mostly intact, they lose to NFL Draft picks in cornerback D.J. Moore and safety Reshard Langford. Myron Lewis, who has started 25 games, will handle one of the cornerback spots. He terrorized opposing QB’s with five interceptions and five sacks last season. Sophomores Casey Hayward and Jamie Graham have been encouraging at the other corner spot. Sean Richardson moves into the free safety position.

The Commodores have a nice mix of solid and standout performers elsewhere. Defensive end Broderick Stewart is a dynamic pass-rusher, and will be back after breaking his leg last year against Tennessee. At linebacker, sophomore Chris Marve and senior Patrick Benoist finished 2008 with 100-plus tackles, as did senior strong safety Ryan Hamilton. Defensive tackles Greg Billinger and Adam Smotherman are proven run-stoppers who can also pressure the quarterback. Defensive end Steven Stone is strong against the run with the ability to rush the passer. John Stokes and Brent Trice are interchangeable at strongside linebacker.

Be sure you check back this fall for the best football picks all season long to help you beat the NCAA football odds.