How Vanderbilt Will Win

To say Vanderbilt has had a difficult season in the SEC would be an understatement. The Commodores have dropped every conference game this year. In fact, Vandy’s only two victories have come against Western Carolina and Rice. Factor in head coach Bobby Johnson’s 108th-ranked offense against UT’s strong defensive unit, and a road victory in Neyland seems unlikely for this 2-9 squad. One factor that favors the Commodores is the kick return game. Warren Norman has returned three kickoff returns for touchdowns on the year, and Tennessee’s return defense has been anything but dominant thus far. Plus, Daniel Lincoln has flat-out forgotten how to kick, so with a lagging offense and an ailing defense, special teams could be key for Vanderbilt’s game. Still, after the disturbing beatdown the Vols received last weekend at the hands of Ole Miss, Tennessee isn’t about to give up a comfy home contest against the Commodores.