Five and Five: Vanderbilt
By Paul Myerberg // May 19, 2010
What are five things I like about Vanderbilt in 2010? What about five things I don’t? This list has all the answers.
Likes
1. Junior linebacker Chris Marve. The leader of the Vanderbilt defense may be an all-American before his college career comes to a close. As of now, he’s an all-conference lock.
2. Two solid running backs, both sophomores. Will Norman finished the 2009 season with the second-most rushing yards by a freshman in school history, while Zac Stacy added 478 yards of his own.
3. A steady secondary. Casey Heyward, Jamie Graham and Eddie Foster allow the Commodores to go three-deep with starting-caliber cornerbacks.
4. Vanderbilt fares better coming in under the radar. After winning seven games in 2008, the Commodores entered last season lacking the ability to surprise more highly-regarded opponents in the SEC. Perhaps the team can do so again in 2010, given last season’s 2-10 mark.
5. Coach Bobby Johnson. Don’t let the won-loss record fool you: Johnson has proven he can win at Vanderbilt, which is impressive.
Dislikes
1. Four new starters on the offensive line. Yes, the last time the Commodores faced such a rebuilding job was in 2008, when they won seven games. Still, it’s cause for concern.
2. The defensive line is less of a concern, though Vanderbilt must replace three multiple-year starters. There’s more depth to work on the defensive side of the ball, however, and the front four could end up not being an issue once September rolls around.
3. The passing game. Yes, junior Larry Smith returns after starting nine games in 2009. If he hasn’t improved as a thrower, I’m not sure if we’ll much improvement from the Vanderbilt offense.
4. Speaking of that passing game: while Vanderbilt has two proven receivers and a solid tight end receiving target, the group as a whole will not strike fear into the heart of conference opposition.
5. You knew this was coming: the schedule. This year is no different from the rest, but it’s hard to ignore Vanderbilt’s deadly SEC slate.
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