2010 Vanderbilt Commodores Preview Odds

Vanderbilt Commodores

2-10, 5-6 ATS, 6th Place in SEC East

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +20000
Odds to Win SEC 500/1
at Bookmaker Sportsbook

After getting a rare taste of success in 2008, the Commodores returned to their usual position as the whipping boys of the SEC last season. Now two years removed from their first bowl appearance since 1982, the team is going to have to replace HC Bobby Johnson and rebuild once again.

Offensive Outlook: The 2009 Commodore offense was, to put it bluntly, putrid. They ranked 109th in total offense, 111th in passing yards, and 114th in points scored, putting up an average of just 16.4 per game. Starting QB Larry Smith, just a freshman, suffered a season ending injury, which led to Mackenzi Adams taking over. Neither did well. Smith completed just 46.7% of his passes for 1,126 yards, four scores and seven picks, while Adams threw for 630 yards, two scores, and three interceptions. Smith is not guaranteed the starting job in 2010, as the Commodores have signed a JUCO transfer in Jordan Rodgers, the brother of the Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers. Hopes of scoring points will rest with RB/KR Warren Norman. Norman, who received the SEC Freshman of the Year honors, averaged 161.8 all purpose yards per game. He scored three rushing touchdowns and returned three kickoffs to the house. Vanderbilt also returns its top three receivers, but neither John Cole, Brandon Barden, nor Udom Umoh caught more than one touchdown last year.

Defensive Outlook: The Commodore defense was ninth best in the nation against the pass, and, despite injuries and a horrific offense, only surrendered 23.7 points per game. The team will have decent depth on the defensive side, but loses cornerback Myron Lewis and his team leading four interceptions from a season ago. If the offense can make some progress, the defense will be able to keep the team in some games.

The Final Word: This is going to be yet another ugly year for the Commodores. They will remain in the SEC cellar, but Norman will provide the offense with life and a decent defense will give them something to work with for the future. Vanderbilt has enough to win a couple SEC contests, but no more.

2010 Vanderbilt Commodores Prediction: 4-8, 6th place in SEC East

2010 Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule
9/4 Northwestern
9/11 LSU
9/18 @ Mississippi
10/2 @ Connecticut
10/9 Eastern Michigan
10/16 @ Georgia
10/23 South Carolina
10/30 @ Arkansas
11/6 Florida
11/13 @ Kentucky
11/20 Tennessee
11/27 Wake Forest