Monday, August 20, 2007

SEC Preview, Part 3: Vandy looking to avoid the Swirl of SEC crapper


Vanderblit

Overview: Vanderbilt is not the same sorry team that has been pushed around by everyone in the SEC week in and week out for the last twenty years. Coach Bobby Johnson has got this team moving in the right direction and this year could prove to be special for them.

The last three recruiting classes were ranked by Rivals.com at 67, 60, and 87. However, coach Johnson has proven that he has a good eye for talent as the Vanderbilt team continues to improve each season. If everything falls into place this season the Dores’ will be bowling for the first time since 1982.

Offense: This ain’t your daddy’s Vanderbilt offense. In his first year as a starter, QB Chris Nickson passed for over 2,000 yards and led the team in rushing. Wide receiver Earl Bennett is the best pass catcher in the SEC and should have another big season.

Even better for Vandy, the strength of the offense will the offensive line where all five starters return from last season. With such a solid line they should be able to open up holes for the running game in addition to providing solid protection for QB Nickson.

Offensive coordinator Ted Cain is one of the best in the business and should lead one of the most productive offenses in the SEC.

Defense: The Vandy defense has always had problems stopping opposing teams in the fourth quarter and this year will be no different. The defense will show signs of improvement but will still be one of the worst in the conference. Defense does win championships which is the reason why the Dores’ will be fighting for six wins and a bowl game instead of bigger things.

Conclusion: This team has been an underachiever for years. They have always found a way to lose the big games until recently when they defeated Tennessee and Georgia. If they can build on those two games they will be able to go bowling by outscoring other teams.

Lamar’s pick: I’m going out an a ledge and predict that Vandy will go 6-6 putting them in a bowl game for the first time since 1982, thus pulling them out of the SEC crapper. They will finish second to last in the SEC East.
Photo: vandymania.com

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