2007 Vanderbilt Commodores College Football Picks & Predictions


June 6, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Not many teams in the nation will feature as much experience on offense as Vanderbilt will have heading into the 2007 season. Nine returning starters on offense include standouts in wide receiver Earl Bennett, quarterback Chris Nickson, tailback Cassen Jackson-Garrison and all five starters on the offensive line. These linemen will help these playmakers become some of the best in school history.

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Bennett is a star. He needs only 48 receptions in his junior season to become the SEC’s career leader. Nickson was inconsistent in his first season as the starting quarterback for the Commodores. But a career day when he compiled 517 yards of total offense against the Wildcats was the third-best mark in school history and a promising game that gives Commodore fans high hopes for this season. Nickson will benefit greatly from an offensive line headed by left tackle Chris Williams, an All-SEC pick last season who should be one of the top tackles in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The right tackle in Brian Stamper is a preseason All-SEC pick who returns for a fifth season of eligibility. He played in only five games a year ago, but was given a medical redshirt by the NCAA to allow him to come back this season. Jackson-Garrison rushed for 614 yards last season and with Jeff Jennings returning from a knee injury at tailback, this should be a balanced 1-2 punch in the backfield.

With seven returning starters on defense, depth is a still a big issue on a unit that is improving steadily. Defensive end Curtis Gatewood was the talk of 2006 after moving from linebacker and posting a team-leading seven sacks. He was a former prep basketball star and his athleticism against the bigger tackles in the SEC gives him an edge with great speed. Inside tackle Theo Horrocks has three years of experience under his belt and will be counted upon to lead this defense vocally and physically. The Commodores hope one-time Georgia standout Greg Billinger blossoms this season at the other tackle position.

Jonathan Goff turned down the NFL to return for his final fling at Vanderbilt as he holds down the all-important middle linebacker spot. If he produces the type of season expected, he will go in the first three rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. Vanderbilt is in dying need of a few guys to step up in the secondary, especially at the corner positions. Returning starter D.J. Moore should handle one side while Myron Lewis starts at the other. Lewis’ height will work to his advantage in jump-ball situations, but he lacks the cover-corner mentality he needs. Strong safety Ryan Reshard Langford battle injuries all season, but still started every game while emerging as one of the SEC’s best at his position.

The Vanderbilt Commodores will be trying to break one of the worst streaks in college football. They have not gone bowling since 1982 and this season is a make-or-break year for this bottom feeder in the SEC conference. The roster is loaded with experience, especially on the offensive side of the ball. They have eight home games in line for the 2007 season, so now is a better chance than ever to break this dreadful bowl drought.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field)
Bodog:          50-1 (Field)
BetUS:          12-1 (Field)

Odds to Win SEC East:
BetUS:          +2000
Bodog:          +2000

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