Having covered the first six games in an earlier post, we re-join the Commodores in looking at the second half of their schedule for 2014.
2014 Vanderbilt Schedule Analysis: Games 7-12
Game 7: Charleston Southern, Saturday 11th October
The only FCS opponent on their schedule should provide little resistance in the middle of the season. They went 10-3 last year but did lose 43-10 to Colorado who are on a 24 game losing streak against FBS teams. Following a visit to Georgia and with a bye week coming up after this should provide a nice opportunity for the Commodores to get healthy before a tough run-in.
5-2 (2-2 SEC)
Game 8: at Missouri, Saturday 25th October
A lopsided home defeat to the Tigers last year was rather perplexing at the time, they had no answer for James Franklin at QB. This year Missouri are a bit of a mystery with so many players graduating and heading to the NFL it’s time to see what the depth left behind is like. They see just eight starters return on the entire team but I still think the Tigers will edge this one in Columbia
5-3 (2-3 SEC)
Game 9: vs Old Dominion, Saturday 1st November
One of the FBS new teams who are now in Conference USA after being independent initially. They lost heavily last year against quality opposition like Pittsburgh and North Carolina, who scored 80 points against them! The Monarchs are the fourth and final non-conference game for Vanderbilt which should see them go unbeaten outside the SEC and become bowl eligible.
6-3 (2-3 SEC)
Game 10: vs Florida, Saturday 8th November
Arguably one of the most famous wins of James Franklin’s reign as Vanderbilt head coach was last years 34-17 win in Gainesville over the Gators. The first time the Commodores had won at the Swamp and it also snapped a 22 game losing streak against Florida. Unfortunately Florida should be much improved this year as they get healthier and much more talented on offence. Vandy’s tough defence should be able to keep Jeff Driskel and co in check but I can’t see enough points coming offence in this tight defensive battle.
6-4 (2-4 SEC)
Game 11: at Mississippi State, Saturday 22nd November
A trademark of Vanderbilt Football in recent years has been their ability to spring surprise results when you least expect them and this game will be the 2014 edition. Despite a poor record in Starksville historically Vanderbilt have the tools on defence to slow down highly touted QB Dak Prescott whilst the Bulldogs defence is vulnerable to a power running game. If the Commodores can play sensible mistake free football, a big feature under Franklin, then a win here is a real possibility.
7-4 (3-4 SEC)
Game 12: vs Tennessee, Saturday 29th November
With back to back wins over the Vols, one of the biggest requirements of new head coach Derek Mason from the fans will be to beat Tennessee again. After so many years of being in the shadow of their inter-state rival the Commodores will be desperate to remain the big team in the state of Tennessee. Another close game like last year’s nail-biter is likely to be in store but Vandy should have enough in the trenches to edge this one.
8-4 (4-4 SEC)
On paper, a great first year for the impressive Derek Mason as this would see Vanderbilt go to a bowl game for the fourth straight year and continue the school record. The pressure that comes with high expectations, as well as the high academic standards of the school, will make this a tough job for Mason but coming from Stanford I’m sure he fully understands the challenge he faces.
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