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Talking Predictions

Posted on by Jace Puckett

Record Predictions. Maybe the most pointless thing in sports (due to how many times people are wrong). That said, there’s nothing like leaving comments on a prediction, because everyone is going to have different thoughts.

Now don’t get confused with what this post is about. I’m not predicting, I’m just talking about other predictions and maybe – if your lucky – I’ll leave my own prediction tomorrow.

Sports Illustrated

Good ‘ole SI. Surely they cut Vandy so slack and gave us more wins that last year…

Nope. Sports Illustrated doesn’t like the ‘Dores this season, and call us a 1-11 team. Who did we beat? Only the great and mighty Eastern Michigan Eagles (sarcasm greatly implied).

MORAL VICTORY

Yesterday, our friend Dimon made a rather bold prediction over at MORAL VICTORY, saying that Vandy was going to win 6 games: ‘Ole Miss, UCONN, EMU, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wake Forest.

The most intriging thing about this is how he wapped out the wins. 3 early games and 3 late games. Why am I surprised? Just because Vandy isn’t what you would call a “late-run” team. I like his hope and pride for the Commodore, though, so I’m not going to down him. In fact, I hope he’s right (especially about Tennessee).

I’m not going to lie, I expected this post to be a lot longer.

It Could Always Be Worse

Posted on by Jace Puckett

After a 2-10 campaign last season, and SI’s 1-11 predicition this season, some of you fans could be feeling a little down; not me, though. You see, I found out today that no matter how bad things are, they could always be worse. Just ask this team’s running back:

Yeah, nog so sad anymore are you?

**This was just something funny, but I’ll actually be talking about predictions later (probably tomorrow).

Commodore Kickoff Special: Special Teams

Posted on by Jace Puckett

Yeah, I know, this one is coming a little late and I’m sorry about that. Sunday’s are busy days for me.

Anyways, we’ll be talking special teams here on the last day of CKS. This should be rather quick.

Kicker: Ryan Fowler

I’m Fowler’s biggest fan. He’s got a real boot on him and he’s only going to improve from last season’s stellar performance.

Punter: Richard Kent

The day every fan dreaded is no here: a day without Brett Upson. Now all we can do is hope we don’t have to punt as much as last season  (or wait, that was the goal all along, wasn’t it?).

KOS: Carey Spear

I was quite shocked when Coach Caldwell announced Casey Spear would start over Fowler. This frosh must be pretty good. Oh, and by the way, KOS means kickoff specialist for those of you who didn’t know (you have no idea how many times people have asked me what it means).

**After a fan brought it to my attention, I did a little reasearch on Carey: he hit a 61-yard field goal in high school.

Kick Returner: Warren Norman

I think you already knew the answer to that.

Punt Returner: John Cole

No comment really. I’m just hoping he’s better Alex Washington.

Commodore Kickoff Special: Defensive Backs

Posted on by Jace Puckett

Day 6 of the CKS is all about DBs. From the strong junior, Casey Hayward, to the surprising freshman, Andre Hal.

It goes without saying that defensive back has been one of the strongest parts of the team for many years. Fellow ‘Dores DJ Moore and Myron Lewis are just two of the fine examples of how good our DBs have been.

Today, I’m going to tell about the guys who will (hopefully) carry on the great tradition. And by the way, we’re going player-by-player today rather than position-by-position.

Casey Hayward

Hayward has contributed to Vandy’s defense in all of his previous years, and had great opportunities to learn under DJ and Myron. He’s also know as one of the SEC’s hardest-hitting corners.

Jamie Graham

Graham has been a fan-favorite ever since his dominating performance against Georgia two seasons ago. He’s playing at a different position these days, but he’s still the great player we all know and love (he’s expected to be on the opposite side of Hayward).

Trey Wilson, Eddie Foster, & Eric Samuels

All three of the guys saw action as freshman. Look for all of them to rotate in as corner or nickel throughout the season. If you ask me, I like these sophomores and I think they will all get solid PT.

Andre Hal

Andre is a plesent surprise as a freshman. Coaches say he’ll get plenty of playing time and they expect him to be the next big-name corner for Vanderbilt football.

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Sean Richardson

Sean has continued to make big plays all throughout his career. He’s the same guy that basically won the MCB for us by picking up the Boston College fumble in the endzone. He also was among the SEC top tacklers as a safety last season. Sean is sure to be a big part of this year’s team as well.

Jay Fullam

Jay Fullum is the most probable strong safety for VU, we’ll just have to see how he does against Northwestern to test this redshirt freshman’s skill.

Andre Simmons & Al Owens

Freshman Andre Simmons will likely back-up Sean Richardson this season, as he has seemed to surpass sophomore Al Owens on the depth chart.

Kenny Ladler

Kenny will be the back-up for Jay Fullum and no one else seems to be in competition for that.

Commodore Kickoff Special: Linebackers

Posted on by Jace Puckett

It’s Day 5 of the Commodore Kickoff Special and today we’ll be talking linebackers. This one will probably be a lot easier than the last few, and our talent at linebacker will make this one sound less negative (that is, if you thought I sounded negative in the last few).

Like I said above, linebacker is a very solid position for Vandy. In fact, you could argue that MLB Chris Marve is the best player on the team (Warren Norman being his competition). We’ll be going position-style today, that way you know where these guys will be playing.

Outside Linebacker: John Stokes, Archibald Barnes (possible: DeAndre Jones

There’s no doubt John Stokes will see plenty of time this season, Vandy needs him to be a big part of the defense. You’ll also see redshirt sophomore Archibald Barnes rotate in on occasion.

Middle Linebacker: Chris Marve (limited time: Nate Cambell)

No one will take playing time away from Chris Marve, the cornerstone of the Vanderbilt defense. Marve’s fatigue is the only reason we’ll be seeing Nate Cambell come in.

Outside Linebacker: Dexter Daniels, Tristan Strong (possible: Archiblad Barnes, DeAndre Jones) 

Strong and Daniels are going to split a lot of time, I don’t really think there is much of a front-runner in their battle. You also may see Jones and Barnes on a few plays.

Well that was quick and easy, much like I expected. I would try for more, but ESPN is going to be at my highschool tonight and I really want to go. See you for defensive backs tomorrow!

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