7. Vanderbilt Commodores (3-9, 0-8)
The Commodores overachieved in 2022, finishing 5-7 despite not having the roster to justify it. An in-season quarterback change paid dividends, the receivers were better than expected, and for the most part, the offensive line held its own (by Vanderbilt standards) while the front seven got just enough stops. But that was last year.
Rankings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
| Quarterbacks: Av Running Backs: Pr Wide Receivers: Av Offensive Line: Fr | Defensive Line: Pr Linebackers: Fr Defensive Backs: Av Special Teams: Av |
Offense: What could go right
The receivers are average at the very least, and could have justified a “Very Good” rating if we’d wanted to push it. Will Sheppard could play for most SEC schools and he’s got a decent supporting cast around him. What he doesn’t have is a reliable tight end, at least not yet. Quarterback A.J. Swann has star potential and a legitimate arm. Vanderbilt also has decent depth at the position, better than most SEC teams. The offensive line is a veteran group and plays with good technique, even if they usually trail the opposition in raw talent.
Offense: What could go wrong
RB Ray Davis transferred to Kentucky, and new starter Patrick Smith averaged less than 3 yards per carry in 2022. The offensive line showed poor consistency in blocking for the run in 2022, and that’s putting it nicely. Vanderbilt is too dependent on Sheppard and Swann, so if Swann suffers a sophomore slump or Sheppard gets hurt, the offense won’t be able to keep up. There’s no depth in the backfield and tight end is a liability.
Defense: What could go right
The secondary has a chance to be better than average especially on the strength of a safety tandem that is probably in the top half of the league. There are a lot of eyes watching the developments at linebacker, where the Commodores appear to have three legitimate starters and decent depth. Punter Matthew Hayball routinely flips field position and can dig the defense out of some holes.
Defense: What could go wrong
Vanderbilt’s defensive front is a problem, which means it’s a typical Vanderbilt defensive front. Cornerback could be a real problem as well. The Commodores ranked just 118th in sacks in 2022 and also got pushed around in the running game, a bad combination. And for as much love as the linebackers have gotten from some observers, the loss of Anfernee Orji to the NFL is going to hurt, badly.
One-sentence summary: Excitement surrounds the program, but the results won’t be there in 2023.
Vanderbilt is starting to pour money into facilities, and for the first time in many decades, there seems to be a legitimate effort from inside the school to push the program forward. The reality, though, is that the Commodores have CUSA-level talent yet are trying to compete in the SEC. The young defense could be stout in a year or two, and Swann is the most exciting quarterback prospect Vandy has had in years. It just isn’t enough to make a real difference.
Follow Jess Nicholas on X at @TideFansJessN