2013 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview

By Scott Sergent

The Good: James Franklin is the Dr. Frankenstein of coaches as he has raised the Commodores football program from the dead and made them respectable.  They won nine games for the first time since 1915 and ranked fifth in total defense in the conference.  The return of SEC's best WR duo, Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd, gives new QB Austyn Carta-Samuels some help as the former 2009 MWC Freshman of the year, and two year starter at Wyoming, is now the starter in Nashville.

The Bad: Losing QB Jordan Rodgers and RB Zack Stacy takes away a huge chunk of their offense from last year.  Stacy will be replaced by a three man RB by committee, and that is never a favorable situation.

The Ugly: Can the 'Doors ever get past the old slogan "Well, that's why they are Vanderbilt?"  They must figure out a way to win the close games if they want to take the next step in their climb up the SEC East ladder.  A close loss at home to South Carolina would have been the difference in a really good season and a great season.

Starters Returning: 6 – Offense/ 7 - Defense.

Schedule: This year, a trip to Texas A&M and a home date with Ole Miss will be difficult, not to mention playing the rest of the tough SEC East.  Georgia comes to Nashville, but road games at South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee will prove daunting.

Sep,15 2012; Nashville, TN, USA: Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels (6) drops back to hand off against the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Commodores beat the Blue Hose 58-0. Photo Courtesy By Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports.

Outlook: Franklin has made the 'Doores respectable, and is looking to take them to the next level.  However, breaking in a new QB, a tougher schedule in 2013, and a team that will not sneak up on anyone will make it tough to duplicate last year's nine win season.  However, they won't be a doormat like previous years and give every team they play a run for their money.

Prediction: 5th SEC East.


Read more at 2013 SEC Football Preview and Predictions.


Individual 2013 SEC Football Team Previews and Predictions (Listed in Order of Predicted Finish):

1. 2013 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Preview
2. 2013 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Preview
3. 2013 Georgia Bulldogs Football Preview
4. 2013 Florida Gators Football Preview
5. 2013 Texas A&M Aggies Football Preview
6. 2013 LSU Tigers Football Preview
7. 2013 Ole Miss Rebels Football Preview
8. 2013 Tennessee Volunteers Football Preview
9. 2013 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview
10. 2013 Mississippi State Bulldogs Football Preview
11. 2013 Auburn Tigers Football Preview
12. 2013 Missouri Tigers Football Preview
13. 2013 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Preview
14. 2013 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview

More Vanderbilt Football Pages:

• 2012 Vanderbilt Commodores 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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