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Vanderbilt Commodores: SEC East
There's absolutely no way that Vanderbilt can be worse than in 2020 after they had a disastrous 0-9 season.
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Playing in the SEC is always a challenge, but the new coaching staff has a mountain to climb in terms of making the Commodores competitive for the long haul.
Here's a look at the Vanderbilt Commodores' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 SEC East Conference preview: Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt's strengths: Although the team was truly awful in 2020, freshman Ken Seals had a decent year, with 64.6 percent of completed passes and 12 touchdowns. There wasn't much he could do best, but he's an interesting piece for new coach Clark Lea to build on.
Vanderbilt's weaknesses: There's an argument to be made about the Commodores having success throwing the ball last season. On the other hand, everyone had success throwing the ball against the Commodores last season. It was by far the worst pass defense in the SEC, allowing 2.7 touchdown passes per game.
Vanderbilt Commodores key player: Offense
WR Cam Johnson: Returning for his senior season, Johnson needs less than 100 yards to surpass 1,000 during his career at Vanderbilt. He's one of the few veteran players on this team and his importance in helping Lea build a solid foundation cannot be understated.
Vanderbilt Commodores key player: Defense
LB Anfernee Orji: Orji was a pleasant surprise last year in a truly bad defense. If Vanderbilt is going to field a mediocre unit this year - which would represent a huge evolution from last year - the talents of the third-year linebacker, who amassed 66 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack last season will be fundamental to it.
2021-2022 Vanderbilt Commodores schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Colorado State Rams
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 vs. Stanford Cardinal
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Connecticut Huskies
Week 6: Saturday, October 9 at Florida Gators
Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at South Carolina Gamecocks
Week 8: Saturday, October 23 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Week 9: Saturday, October 30 vs. Missouri Tigers
Week 10: Bye week
Week 11: Saturday, November 13 vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Week 12: Saturday, November 20 at Ole Miss Rebels
Week 13: Saturday, November 27 at Tennessee Volunteers
2021-2022 Vanderbilt Commodores prediction (3-9 overall, 0-8 SEC)
The Commodores are the weakest team in the SEC and it'll show during conference play this year: it's going to be difficult for them to win a single game within the SEC. The most important thing this year is to build a strong foundation so the Commodores can become a mainstay in the bowl season.
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