2012 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview

2011 SEC Record: 2-6 (4th SEC East) – Overall 6-7

Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams

The Good: James Franklin has the ship heading in the right direction as his fiery leadership, as well as some good recruits headed to Nashville, could be just the thing long suffering Vandy fans can take pride in. Jordan Rodgers is back, as well as all SEC RB Zac Stacy and a slew of playmakers at WR.

The Bad: The defense returns seven starters, but losing Chris Marve, who had been the starter at MLB since 2007, will be felt, especially since the defensive line is not up to SEC standards. Vandy lost three great secondary players to the NFL, so star CB Trey Wilson has to step up and be a leader in the secondary.

The Ugly: “That’s why they are Vanderbilt.” The slogan is used by the media across the country when they talk about the ‘Doores fourth quarter collapses. Close losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee kept this team from being the surprise of the conference, as well as the country. Win those games, and instead of a 6-6 regular season, the Gold are 10-2.

The Schedule: Vandy opens at home with South Carolina, so we will see early if last year was a fluke, or if this a program is on the rise. No Alabama or Arkansas this year as they have been replaced by Auburn and Ole Miss. And don’t forget the titanic season ending clash with Wake Forest, which should have national championship implications….(Can you read the sarcasm there?)

What will happen: James Franklin pulled a Vince Lombardi in his first season in Music City as the Commodores finished with six wins and a bowl game. If they can find a way to win the close ones, they will improve on what they started in 2011. With a dynamic offense, and a favorable schedule, this team can get to eight wins and put some fear into the other teams in the SEC. And circle November 17th in Nashville as we now have an in-state rivalry heating up. There is bad blood between the Gold and the Orange, and after Derek Dooley’s post game comments last year, this one will be a slugfest.

Bowl Game: July will come late this year as Independence Day will find Vanderbilt in Shreveport.

2012 Prediction: 5th in the SEC East.

For a preview of all the teams go to 2012 SEC Football Preview.

• 2011 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview


• 2010 Vanderbilt Commodores Football


• 2009 Vanderbilt Commodores Football


• 2008 Vanderbilt Commodores Football


• 2007 Vanderbilt Commodores Football


• Vanderbilt Commodores Football History


• Robbie Caldwell Biography --(Vanderbilt Head Coach)


• James Franklin Biography --(Former Vanderbilt Coach)


• Bobby Johnson Biography --(Former Vanderbilt Coach)


• Vanderbilt University Nashville Trip


• SEC Football Predictions


• SEC School Mascots


• Origins of SEC School Colors


• 2011 SEC Football Tickets


• Vanderbilt Commodores Apparel


• Vanderbilt Commodores Merchandise


• Vanderbilt Commodores Tailgate Party Shop


• Vanderbilt Commodores Fan Store

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