SEC Football - 2021 Vanderbilt Commodores Preview
Our Vanderbilt Commodores preview 2021 projects that this team will struggle this season. In the past five years, the best that Vandy had done is a 6-6 record. That was in 2018, when the Commodores earned a berth in the Texas Bowl. They lost that game to Baylor 38-45. Last season, this team ranked 14th in the SEC and 125th in the nation in points per game with 14.8. Their defense allowed 37.3 PPG (13th SEC, 112th Nationally). The Commodores ended the season last in the SEC East with an 0-9 record. First-time head coach Clark Lea comes from Notre Dame where he served as defensive coordinator. Lea, a Vandy alumnus, replaces fired head coach Derek Mason.
Vanderbilt Offense
The competition for starting quarterback will be between sophomores Ken Seals and Mike Wright. Last year, Seals played a large majority of the games, completing 64.6 percent of his passes for 1,928 yards. He threw a dozen touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. Vanderbilt’s top four receivers return. Cam Johnson led the team with 56 receptions. He scored three times. Also, on board are wideouts Amir Abdur-Rahman and Chris Pierce. They recorded one and five TD catches respectively. Tight end Ben Bresnahan proved to be a solid receiver, taking in 28 passes with four going for TDs. This unit is the strength of the Vandy offense.
Re’Mahn Davis comes to Vanderbilt from Temple via the transfer portal. In 2019 as a freshman with the Owls, he rushed for close to 1,000 yards. The two starters from last season, both on the left side, return to the O-line. This is a worrisome unit. Any success by the offense hinges on the ability of this unit to step up in a major way.
Vanderbilt Commodores Preview 2021 - Defense
It’s hard to find much to be positive about concerning this side of the ball. The key players from last season are gone. The various units are quite thin. Defensive end Elijah McAllister will start after missing last season due to injury. If McAllister can play up to expectations and pressure QBs, that will help the D.
After sitting out last season, Alston Orji returns at linebacker. He’s another player who must meet some big expectations for this team to in any way succeed. The secondary is especially problematic. Last season they made one pick. The team allowed 296.4 YPP in passing, ranking 12th in the SEC and 119th Nationally.
Specialists
Kicking was a major issue last season. Alabama transfer Joseph Bulovas comes in to help transform what was the worst field goal unit in the SEC. We expect they’ll move up to the middle of the conference. On the other hand, punter Harrison Smith performed well last season. Smith, who returns, averaged 41.0 YPP, placing 18-of-46 within the 20. Our Vanderbilt Commodores preview 2021 finds that Cam Johnson on punt returns and Jayden Harrison on kick bring backs are both solid.
Vanderbilt Commodores Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Vanderbilt Commodores preview 2021 finds that the Commodores must undergo a major rebuilding effort. This is the start. We expect they will win a few games, but it will take years before Vanderbilt can once again be competitive in the SEC. Best opportunities for wins occur on September 4 when the Commodores play East Tennessee State and October 2 when they host Connecticut.
SEC Football - Vanderbilt Commodores 2021 - Predictions:
Seventh Place - SEC East
No Bowl Berth