Vandy has been extremely Vandy under Derek Mason, but might be exciting on offense now
Vanderbilt Commodores
Head coach: Mason (18-31, fifth year)
2017 record and S&P+ ranking: 5-7 (80th)
Projected 2018 record and S&P+ ranking: 5-7 (75th)
Five key points:
If nothing else, Vandy?s personality is changing.
The offense improved from 117th in 2015 to 73rd in 2017 and now returns a veteran quarterback (Kyle Shurmur), an exciting big-play receiver (Kalija Lipscomb), and six linemen with at least four games? worth of starting experience and adds a couple of promising transfers (explosive Illinois running back Ke?Shawn Vaughn and former four-star Ohio State receiver Alex Stump), plus a four-star receiver (Cam Johnson).
Vanderbilt Commodores
Head coach: Mason (18-31, fifth year)
2017 record and S&P+ ranking: 5-7 (80th)
Projected 2018 record and S&P+ ranking: 5-7 (75th)
Five key points:
- Vanderbilt is achieving at an almost perfectly Vanderbilt level. And with a couple of theoretical SEC East powers struggling, that?s been enough to threaten .500.
- This year?s projections ? ranking in the mid-70s with five to six wins ? feels right, I guess.
- The offense is lacking security blankets but does boast QB Kyle Shurmur and big-play threats in WR Kalija Lipscomb and Illinois RB transfer Ke?Shawn Vaughn. Trading some consistency for upside might work.
- The defense should boast a strong pass rush and a good No. 1 CB in Joejuan Williams. But the iffy depth at DT, ILB, and throughout the secondary is terrifying.
- S&P+ favors Vandy in four games and has the Dores projected within seven points in four other games. That offers a path to a bowl, but there?s minimal margin for error.
If nothing else, Vandy?s personality is changing.
The offense improved from 117th in 2015 to 73rd in 2017 and now returns a veteran quarterback (Kyle Shurmur), an exciting big-play receiver (Kalija Lipscomb), and six linemen with at least four games? worth of starting experience and adds a couple of promising transfers (explosive Illinois running back Ke?Shawn Vaughn and former four-star Ohio State receiver Alex Stump), plus a four-star receiver (Cam Johnson).
