Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee in 1873
Students: 12,714 (6,879 undergrad)
2011 Record: 3-0 (1-0 SEC) defeated Ole Miss last week 30-7
Overall record against USC: USC leads the series 16-4, USC won 21-7 last season in Nashville
Head Coach: James Franklin ( 1st season as head coach)
Famous Alumni: Dierks Bentley (musician),Al Gore (Vice Pres), Molly Sims (TV show Las Vegas), Jay Cutler (NFL QB), Skip Bayless (ESPN)
Defense wins: In three games, Vandy’s defense has been good, really good. This might be hard to believe after last years 2-10 season, but Coach Franklin has brought new life to the Commodore program. The ‘Dores racked up 5 interceptions last weekend against Ole Miss and are currently ranked #1 in interceptions in the country with 10. New defensive coordinator Bob Shoops brings a blitzing defense that could cause problems this weekend if the USC O Line is not ready.
Currently Vandy is ranked 10th nationally as a defense, only giving up 250 yards per game. Senior linebacker Chris Marve has been a big part of the Vandy defense, leading the team with 23 tackles. In the secondary, corner-back Trey Wilson has 3 interception on the season and 7 tackles.
Overall, I am not convinced that Vandy’s defense is really deserving of a top 10 ranking. Slowing down the offensive attacks of Ole Miss, Elon and UConn couldn’t have been that difficult. So far this season, Vandy’s defense has only given up one rushing touchdown and only gives up 85 yards a game on the ground. I have a feeling Lattimore will have more then 85 yards rushing, as he is currently the leading rusher in the country.
Returning Offense: Vandy returned all 11 starters on offense from last season and having that experience has helped greatly so far this season. Redshirt senior Larry Smith is back at QB and so far this season he has completed 38 passes and has 3 passing touchdowns. Zac Stacy and Jerron Seymour lead the Commodores with a combined 444 rushing yards on the season. Vandy’s go-to-receiver is Chris Boyd who has tallied up 7 receptions for 107 yards and 3 touchdowns this season.
Overall, the Commodores have a pretty balanced offensive attack. Whether it is Larry Smith throwing or running the ball, Vandy will not be an easy win for the Gamecocks on Saturday.
Prediction Time: Being 3-0 coming to Columbia is a surprise for Vandy but that won’t help them face the pressure of playing under the lights at Williams Brice. The Gamecocks will be ready and with a home crowd ready to cheer, nothing will come easy for the Commodores. Look for USC to give the ball to Marcus Lattimore a lot and throw when they have too. Alshon was not very productive against Navy but look for him to rebound this weekend with a big game. I am also predicting that Bruce Ellington and Ace Sanders contribute in a big way on Saturday.
USC 28 Vandy 17
Up next, Auburn.
