Why It Is Vanderbilt’s Year To Take Over The SEC East
Believe it or not, Vanderbilt, the long time laughing stock of the SEC is on the rise.
Tennessee, Georgia, and Ole Miss. If you told me Vandy would beat those teams in 2016, I would have deemed you crazy. These 3 wins will go miles for a now experienced Vanderbilt team. But, before we discuss why it is Vandy’s year to take over the SEC East, we need to cover the shortcomings that came before the big wins.
The first year of Derek Mason’s tenure was a huge disapointment, all around. Finishing 3–9, Coach Mason knew there were changes needed to be made. In 2015 Mason took over at defensive coordinator, and hired Andy Ludwig, Vandy’s new offensive coordinator.
The 2015 season Vanderbilt made great strides, strides, that do not show on their 4–8 record. Vanderbilt was able to compete with most teams but lacked the offense to win games.
Instead of getting blown out by SEC teams they bolstered up on the defensive side of the ball. The one constant complication holding Vandy back from being up to snuff was throwing the football. Vanderbilt ranked 124th in the nation of 128 in points scored (15.2) but ranked 22nd in points scored against (21). With the way Vanderbilt’s defense performed, if Vandy had stable Quarterback play in 2015, you would have seen them in a bowl game.
In 2016 Vanderbilt improved immensely. It is always a good year for Vanderbilt when beating rival Tennessee. Throw in wins against Ole Miss and Georgia and it’s a great year for a young Commodore team.
Besides the Missouri game, Vandy lost to their SEC opponets by a touchdown or less. The defensive side of the ball was as strong as ever and the offense improved slowly but surely. The 2016 season is the perfect set-up for a breakout year for the Commodores.
Leading the Commodores is Senior Running Back Ralph Webb, arguably the SECs best back. Ralph has rushed for 3,342 yards. 1,000 more yards and he surpasses the likes of Bo Jackson, putting him the 4th leading rusher in SEC history. He’s a three-dimensional back, meaning he can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the back-field, and pass protect. Any Quarterback’s dream.
Vanderbilt’s biggest problem in 2016 was Quarterback, Kyle Shurmur. Shurmur threw for under 150 yards in 7 games last year, but turned it around at the end of the year, throwing for over 220 yards in Vandy’s last 4 games. Shurmur is a veteran quarterback now, and he will be equipped with 3 seniors and his favorite target, Kelija Lipscomb.
On the defensive side of the ball Vandy returns 7 starters. Even with all of the returning experience, Vanderbilt will not be able to replace First Team All-American, Zach Cunningham. Cunningham made big play after big play for the Commodores. Filling Cunningham’s position will be 2017 Butkus Award Watch List, Senior Oren Burks. Burks is a natural leader. He will be leaned on to make the big plays this year. The strength of the Commodores defense will safeties, Ryan White and Ladarius Wiley. If Vanderbilt’s defense fills the holes of the players they lost, SEC teams will be in for another year of dealing with a stout Vandy defense.
The SEC East is wide open this year. With no front runner, Vandy has the chance to catch the SEC by surprise. If Vanderbilt learns to limit turnovers, stays disciplined on defense, and Kyle Shurmur continues on what he did at the end of last year and against MTSU last Saturday, the Commodores may be looking at seriously contending to win the SEC East this season.
