Kyle Shurmur returns for his 8th year under center in Nashville. Okay, not really, but it seems like it. I also bet that you couldn’t name another player on Vanderbilt unless you are a fan of the team or the SEC. After a 5-7 last year, the Commodores are likely in for another rough year in 2018.
Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football Still Existed): 3 Stars
Last Year’s Record: 5-7 (1-7)
Projected Returning Starters
Offense (7)
QB Kyle Shurmur, TE Jared Pinkney, C Bruno Reagan, G Egidio Dellaripa, G Saige Young, T Devin Cochran, T Justin Skule
Defense (5)
DE Dare Odeyingbo, LB Charles Wright, LB Jordan Griffin, CB JoeJuan Williams, S LaDarius Wiley
Special Teams
PR Kalija Lipscomb, KR Jamuri Wakefield
It’s probably a good thing that Tommy Openshaw does not return as the kicker, as he made just three of seven field goals last year. That’s right… Vandy only attempted seven field goals all season.
Key Loss: Ralph Webb
Webb had been one of the few bright spots in the Vandy offense over the past few years. Even before last season, Webb was the Commodores’ all-time leading rusher before adding on another 857 yards and 10 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if the offense relies heavier on Shurmur now that he’s gone or if they will be able to find a replacement for him in the backfield.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 50
To be honest, I was surprised how high they were.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Season’s End: Jack Daniels
Good thing that Tennessee is known for some whiskey, because they’ll need it.
The Tyrell Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team: Dare Odeyingbo
Also on the DL is his brother (I’m guessing), Dayo Odeyingbo
Outlook
The talent just isn’t there for this team to compete in the SEC and be successful most of the time. This may be the end of the Derek Mason era in Nashville. For the fourth time in the last five years, Vandy should miss bowl season as I believe they will only win either three or four games.