Football season is getting close. That means that it’s time to start making predictions.
Derek Mason and Vanderbilt are hoping to take a big step forward this season and return to a bowl game.
Will the Commodores win enough games to do that?
Let’s get to the game-by-game picks for Vandy in 2016.
vs. South Carolina (Sept. 1)
This is the biggest game of the season for Vandy. And it’s about as must-win as it gets if Mason and company want to do big things this year.
Sure, the Commodores would have time to rebound from a loss. But winning this game would be a nice statement to start the season.
The good news is that Vanderbilt is a more talented team and should win it.
Prediction: Win (1-0 overall, 1-0 SEC)
vs. MTSU (Sept. 10)
It’ll be closer than Vandy fans want it to be. But just like with the South Carolina game, Vanderbilt will enter as the better team.
The Blue Raiders keep it close for three quarters before Mason’s squad pulls away.
Prediction: Win (2-0 overall, 1-0 SEC)
at Georgia Tech (Sept. 17)
As good as Mason’s defense will be, it’s never easy to prepare for the triple option. It’s also an early start time.
Those factors would seem to make Georgia Tech the safe pick. But I’m not about the safe pick. I like the matchup for the Commodores.
The train keeps rolling.
Prediction: Win (3-0 overall, 1-0 SEC)
at Western Kentucky (Sept. 24)
Last year’s game against the Hilltoppers is one that Mason and Vandy fans would like to forget. The Commodores turned it over three times and lost 14-12 at home.
They’ll get their revenge here.
Prediction: Win (4-0 overall, 1-0 SEC)
vs. Florida (Oct. 1)
I have the Gators finishing third in the East. If Luke Rel Rio isn’t the answer at quarterback, it could be a long year for the Florida offense.
Last year’s 9-7 barnburner in Gainesville was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. More points will be scored this year, and the Gators pull it out late.
Prediction: Loss (4-1 overall, 1-1 SEC)
at Kentucky (Oct. 8)
Kentucky has plenty of scoring options on offense. But the Wildcats need Drew Barker to take a huge leap to get the most out of those options.
This game will be a grind. However, the Commodores get the edge thanks to the defense.
Prediction: Win (5-1 overall, 2-1 SEC)
at Georgia (Oct. 15)
Always a tough road game. It’ll be no different this year. However, Vandy matches up well with Georgia. The Bulldogs have questions at quarterback, and how Nick Chubb returns from injury is still unknown.
Could be a fun game, but the advantage goes to Georgia.
Prediction: Loss (5-2 overall, 2-2 SEC)
vs. Tennessee State (Oct. 22)
Yes, Vandy will hit the six-win mark by late October if all goes according to plan.
Prediction: Win (6-2 overall, 2-2 SEC)
at Auburn (Nov. 5)
Picking this game is harder than you think. Gus Malzahn is on the hot seat entering the season, and he doesn’t have a sure option at quarterback. Running back Jovan Robinson is also off the team now.
Vanderbilt’s defense will make this closer than most expect it to be.
Prediction: Loss (6-3 overall, 2-3 SEC)
at Missouri (Nov. 12)
Missouri will have a long season. No one knows what to expect from Drew Lock at quarterback, and the Tigers just lost major players on the defensive line.
It will be a struggle for Missouri’s offense.
Prediction: Win (7-3 overall, 3-3 SEC)
vs. Ole Miss (Nov. 19)
The Rebels should be in good form by this point in the year, but this game is typically close. Chad Kelly is the best quarterback in the SEC, so he could cause trouble for the Commodores.
It’s yet another close game, but Ole Miss get the victory.
Prediction: Loss (7-4 overall, 3-4 SEC)
vs. Tennessee (Nov. 26)
Tennessee has to win the East this year. There’s no excuses this time around.
The Vols are the most talented team in the division, and they should be looking to secure a SEC championship game appearance in this one.
Vandy will already have a bowl game locked up, which is good since Tennessee should win this game.
Prediction: Loss (7-5 overall, 3-5 SEC)
Overall Thoughts
Here’s the deal: Vandy should be significantly better in 2016. The defense is loaded, and Ralph Webb will be a force at running back.
The other bright spot? Mason’s team has the best schedule in the SEC.
Of course, success for the Commodores all comes back to the passing game. The seven-win prediction is based on Vanderbilt getting a solid season from Kyle Shurmur.
If that doesn’t happen, this team won’t come close to seven wins.
Season Prediction: 7-5 overall, 3-5 SEC
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What are your game-by-game predictions for Vanderbilt this season? Log into Facebook to comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@theblakelovell) to share your thoughts.
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.