The questions entering last season concerned whether Derek Mason was cut out to be the leader of an SEC program. Though the Commodores posted just four wins overall and two in league play, they weren’t the pushover they had been in his first year at the helm. They showed improvement, especially on defense, and proved they could play with the big boys in the conference.
Vanderbilt Commodores Regular Season Win Total Odds at BookMaker.eu
Commodores Over 5 Wins -110
Commodores Under 5 Wins -110
2015 VANDERBILT COMMODORES SEASON REVIEW
The Commodores won their first two SEC games under Mason after a disastrous first season, and they could easily have won several other games if not for running out of gas late. Though the defense took gigantic steps forward once Mason took over as his own defensive coordinator, the problem was an underperforming offense.
There was no happier moment for Vanderbilt than when the Commodores beat Missouri on Oct. 24, handing Mason his first league win in 12 tries. A gritty defensive showing completely shut down the Tigers and Vandy managed just enough in the 10-3 victory, improving to 3-4 overall at that point.
Heading into the Swamp in early October as 21-point dogs to the Gators, Vanderbilt was in position to pull off the stunning upset, only to have Florida kicker Austin Hardin boot a 43-yard field goal with a little over two minutes remaining to clinch the SEC East title. Vandy was the last remaining team that could have knocked the Gators out of the league title game.
WHAT CHANGED
The Commodores still have a long way to go, but the expectations have ramped up a little bit. With most of their starters back from a feisty defense, and with running back Ralph Webb and receiver Trent Sherfield returning to lead the offense, Vandy could be a surprise. The door is open for Vandy to take the next step.
Vandy doesn’t have the depth to overcome significant injuries, and unfortunately the Commodores got hit with them last year. Receiver C.J. Duncan and offensive lineman Andrew Jelks are expected back after missing all of the 2015 season. Tight ends Jared Pinkney and DeAndre Woods should also be ready after injuries derailed their campaigns. All four should help improve the passing game.
2016 VANDERBILT COMMODORES REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Sep. 1: vs. South Carolina
Sep. 10: vs. Middle Tennessee
Sep. 17: at Georgia Tech
Sep. 24: at Western Kentucky
Oct. 1: vs. Florida
Oct. 8: at Kentucky
Oct. 15: at Georgia
Oct. 22: vs. Tennessee State
Nov. 5: at Auburn
Nov. 12: at Missouri
Nov. 19: vs. Mississippi
Nov. 26: vs. Tennessee
2016 VANDERBILT COMMODORES SEASON PREVIEW
The Commodores got better throughout the season and Mason’s decision to call the shots on defense was a boost. It appeared to help the offense as well. However, inconsistency was still a major problem. Quarterback play lacked stability and outside of Webb, there wasn’t a lot of production from the run game.
Mason hasn’t had a solid starting quarterback since he’s been at Vanderbilt. Two seasons ago he rotated between four players. Last season, he started with Johnny McCrary and was adamant about sticking with him. His plan lasted six games. That’s when he turned the offense over to Kyle Shurmur, giving the true freshman his first career start in the Missouri game, which he won.
While the kinks are worked out on offense, the Commodores will lean on their defense. And it’s a unit that could go from good to great. The Commodores return several key pieces from a group that ranked 28th in college football last season.
The biggest problem with Vandy’s schedule is that the games against the worse teams are on the road. Winning two of those five would be pretty good. That means four more wins. South Carolina, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee State are all winnable home games, which puts Vandy at a push. They could snatch one big upset and get over the projected win total.
College Football Odds: Vanderbilt Commodores Over 5 Wins
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