Vanderbilt Guest Blogger Part Two
We have 2 Vanderbilt blogs in the SEC Power Poll this year so I sent both of them the same questions about the Vanderbilt program and this weekend’s matchup with Mississippi State. Here are the answers from the folks over at Vanderbilt Sports Line. You can find my answers to their questions on their site.
Part one of this Vanderbilt Guest Blogger series features Save The Shield.
1. Since Bobby Johnson’s arrival, the Commodores have consistently improved each year. What has he done to turn the program around in recent years?
I think first and foremost, the recruiting has picked up. Bobby and his staff have been able to find talent otherwise overlooked and coach them up. The fact that Vanderbilt’s had 2 players drafted in the first round over the past 3 years (and a handful of other players drafted in the later rounds) speaks volumes.
Beyond that, he coaches teams that, by in large, don’t beat themselves. They keep penalties to a minimum, take care of the ball, and are extremely opportunistic. What makes this season different than others is Vanderbilt is finally “finishing” games. It used to be that breaks would go against the Commodores, but this season, at least so far, that hasn’t been the case. I think Coach Johnson and the coaching staff have been a big part of Vanderbilt being a position to have the breaks go their way.
2. What does Chris Nickson bring to the table offensively and how much would it hurt for him not to play against Mississippi State?
I think it’s unlikely Chris Nickson will start Saturday. He’s been battling a shoulder injury the past two seasons, and actually took himself out of the game against Auburn last week. Fortunately for Vanderbilt, his back-up, Mackenzi Adams is able to do many of the same things Nickson is. Vanderbilt is a running team, and that includes the QB. Both Chris and Mac can break off for a big gains with their legs, but right now, most Commodore fans have more faith in Adams’ ability to throw the ball than Nickson’s.
3. What players should the Bulldogs be on the lookout for, both offensively and defensively?
D.J. Moore is the most explosive player for Vanderbilt and the number 1 player to watch. He’s a shut-down corner, lines up with the offense, and is a dynamic special teams player returning kicks and punts.
Whomever starts at QB is another player to watch. If Nickson plays, will he be able to throw? If Adams start, will he be as dynamic as he was against Auburn? Or will be try and do too much?
Finally, I think, given the insertion of Tyrone Lee at QB, Vanderbilt’s defensive line will be critical. The Bulldogs are sure to rely on the running game, particularly early, if the line can stop the run and get some pressure, it will force Mississippi State to throw the ball at the strength of Vanderbilt’s defense: their secondary.
4. After this weekend, the schedule gets pretty tough for Vandy with road trips to Georgia and Wake Forrest and Florida and Tennessee at home in Nashville. What do you see the final W-L record being this year?
This is going to sound crazy, but I really think anything less than 8-4 (after this start) would be disappointing. With that said, one thing at a time, all Commodore fans want is a bowl game. If Vanderbilt can get a win Saturday, they should be well on their way.
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