With James Franklin gone and Derek Mason now in charge, Vanderbilt enter a crucial new phase for the program. Can they build on the success of the last few years and emulate their back to back nine win seasons? A big part of that will be down to their schedule and realistically it’s a favourable one for 2014. In the SEC they draw Ole Miss and Mississippi State from the West missing the likes of Alabama, LSU and Auburn whilst out of conference they face four home games against small schools who should be no match for the Commodores.
2014 Vanderbilt Schedule Analysis: Games 1-6
Game 1: vs Temple, Thursday 28th August
Previously met in 2006 where the Commodores won comfortably 43-14. Temple went 2-10 last year and are a long way from being competitive in the AAC so Vanderbilt will be looking for a comfortable opening day win at home.
1-0 (0-0 SEC)
Game 2: vs #19 Ole Miss, Saturday 6th September
With Ole Miss ranked in the top 25 in pre-season, Hugh Freeze hopes to finally make the Rebels into a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. In the previous two years Vanderbilt has played its part in some thrilling games as they lost by 4pts at home last year in the season opener after sneaking a road win 27-26 in 2012. I think Vanderbilt might avenge last year’s home defeat off the back of a strong defensive performance.
2-0 (1-0 SEC)
Game 3: vs UMass, Saturday 13th September
Perennially ranked at the bottom of the FBS rankings since they moved into the Mid-American Conference, UMass should be an easy win for Vandy in-between key games against Ole Miss and South Carolina. Although last year they only won 24-7 and as the game entered the 4th quarter it was only 10-7 so it might not be an absolute certainty given the inconsistent offence.
3-0 (1-0 SEC)
Game 4: vs #9 South Carolina, Saturday 20th September
Even in the previous two seasons under James Franklin, Vanderbilt failed to really crack the Gamecocks. Last year they lost by 10pts but that was after a 28-0 deficit and some late damage limitation. South Carolina are one of the big favourites for the SEC East and I don’t think the Commodores will be able to keep up on the scoreboard with uncertainties at Quarterback.
3-1 (1-1 SEC)
Game 5: at Kentucky, Saturday 27th September
There’s no doubt that Mark Stoops is improving the Wildcats roster on the recruiting trail but they are still a few years away from stepping out of the basement of the SEC East. Vanderbilt’s recent record is positive with three straight wins against Kentucky although last year’s 22-6 home win was a laboured victory where they only pulled away in the 4th quarter. The lack of playmakers on offence for the Wildcats means this should be an opportunity for the Commodores defence to impress.
4-1 (2-1 SEC)
Game 6: at Georgia, Saturday 4th October
The Bulldogs were decimated by injuries last year which opened the door for Vanderbilt to sneak a 31-27 win. But with only 5 wins out of 50 all-time it doesn’t bode well, Georgia will be another contender in the SEC East to challenge South Carolina. They return 14 starters, including top Running Back Todd Gurley, so Vanderbilt’s visit to Athens will be a very difficult one and like the game against the Gamecocks they’ll be looking to stay in the game for as long as possible.
4-2 (2-2 SEC)
Look out for the second part to this article where we take a look at the final half of the Commodores schedule as they play the likes of Florida, Tennessee and Old Dominion.
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