2013 - Vanderbilt

Although this program is improving, I am predicting the Vandy story of 2013 to be a lot like their story most years.  The have themselves a fine program made up of a lot of good players who do things the right way.  Unfortunately, they are out of their league in terms of football skills playing in the SEC, and I just don't see a whole lot changing this year.

At QB, SR Jordan Rodgers (younger brother of GB QB Aaron Rodgers) should have his best year.  He is a smart QB who can run when necessary.  He is accurate, but does not have elite arm strength.  His favorite receiver is JR Jordan Matthews, who like Rodgers, does a lot well, but is not particularly outstanding at anything.  The receiving corp will be better than last years, but not by enough to add wins.  At RB, Zac Stacy is going to become the most prolific rusher in Vandy history by mid season, if he stays healthy.  Having said that he isn't a superstar, and cannot do it alone.  The o-line is average at best, and unfortunately, except at RB, the team really does not have the dept to compete week in, week out.

The Commodores defense is built similar to its offense.  They have some good guys, but no one who really stands out.  The defensive front will need exceptional play from SR DT Rob Lohr if they are going to hold up.  The linebackers and secondary will benefit from having the starting positions filled entirely by JRs and SRs.  Their experience and intelligence will be what allows them to hold up against superior athletic competition.

I like the way that Vanderbilt runs its program, but this season I think they are going to have some trouble on the field.  I see them struggling to even repeat last season 6 win performance.  They are going to need to pull an upset or two somewhere along the way for that to happen.