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QB
Jay Cutler (PHOTO CREDIT: Vanderbilt Athletics) |
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2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Bobby Johnson
6-29,
3 years |
2003
Record: 2-9 |
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SOUTH
CAROLINA |
LOST
6-31 |
at
Mississippi |
LOST
23-26 (OT) |
at
Navy |
LOST
26-29 |
MISSISSIPPI
STATE |
WON
31-13 |
RUTGERS |
LOST
34-37 |
at
Georgia |
LOST
3-33 |
EAST.
KENTUCKY |
WON
19-7 |
at
Louisiana State |
LOST
7-24 |
FLORIDA |
LOST
17-34 |
at
Kentucky |
LOST
13-14 |
TENNESSEE |
LOST
33-38 |
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2004
Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
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2005
Outlook |
If
there is any head coach who is “on
the bubble” more than Bobby Johnson,
we must not know who he is. Johnson, a defensive
guy, has had his successes in Nashville,
but none of his achievements has meant more
than two victories per campaign. Before
this skid, no coach in school history remained
employed if he won two or less games three
separate times, so Johnson now sets a precedence
by remaining. But with only six total wins
over his three year tenure, little short
of a .500 (or better) effort will save his
butt.
Vandy
is no powerhouse, but the talent is here
to be competitive in the SEC. VU lost by
an average of about eight points to conference
foes (save the South Carolina and Georgia
tilts), so Johnson’s schemes at least
give them a weekly chance to succeed. But
Johnson still has yet to put together a
staff who can achieve what fans want –
more wins. Cutler & Co. are qualified
for SEC play, and with a defense that boasts
so much potential (especially at LB), there
is little excuse if more wins don’t
come.
Especially
worrisome are the offensive line and the
secondary, but neither is such the weak
link that other units will be unable to
compensate. The OL, though, is going to
need to gel before the subtleties and variables
can equal consistent ball movement, and
this is likely to be Vandy’s undoing.
In other (smaller) conferences, VU’s
troubles would not be nearly as impacting,
but their SEC foes will continue to exploit
whatever they can, which makes VU stronger
in the long run, but with less wins for
yet another campaign.
At
a fine learning institution like Vanderbilt,
that only has 6200+ undergrads, even remaining
in the same league (literally and proverbially)
with such power houses is an accomplishment.
And unlike the local recruiting pull of
their (state-affiliated) rivals, VU only
culls 14% of their talent from its Volunteer
surroundings. With so many all-academics,
Honor Society members and just-plain sharp
cookies loading this squad, we applaud these
genuine scholar-athletes and the school
itself for remaining committed to such personal
excellence. A team like Vandy, in this era
that reflects money as most schools’
top pivot/priority, should be proud for
sticking to the integrity of its own convictions
and for honing great men who also happen
to play football.
Projected
2005 record: 2-9
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LB
Moses Osemwegie (PHOTO CREDIT: Vanderbilt Athletics) |
VANDERBILT
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 4 |
DL
- 2.5 |
RB
- 1.5 |
LB
- 3 |
WR
- 2.5 |
DB
- 2.5 |
OL
- 2.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Jay Cutler, 241-147-5, 1844 yds., 10 TD
Rushing: Jay Cutler, 109 att., 349
yds., 6 TD
Receiving: Erik Davis, 37 rec., 510
yds., 3 TD
Scoring: Patrick Johnson, 7-14 FG,
18-23 PAT, 39 pts.
Punting: Kyle Keown, 11 punts, 37.1
avg.
Kicking: Patrick Johnson, 7-14 FG,
18-23 PAT, 39 pts.
Tackles: Moses Osemwegie, 94 tot.,
66 solo
Sacks: Herdley Harrison, 3 sacks
Interceptions: Moses Osemwegie, Andrew
Pace, Kevin Joyce - 1 each
Kickoff returns: None
Punt returns: None
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OFFENSE
- 6 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 5 |
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KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Brandon Smith-WR, Chris Young-WR, Jonathan
Loyte-TE, Justin Geisinger-OT, Brian Kovolisky-OG,
Norval McKenzie-RB, Kwane Doster-RB (deceased),
Matthew Tant-FB (NFL) |
DEFENSE:
Robert
Dinwiddie-DT, Matt Clay-DT, Aaron Carter-DE,
Bill Alford-CB, Abtin Iranmanesh-P, Dominique
Morris-CB (NFL), Jovan Haye-DE (NFL)
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2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Senior
Jay Cutler is a big-time talent. He has quick
feet, a strong arm, but even better decision making
skills (ten TDs, five INTs) to make him the complete
package, that field general that most coaches/coordinators
crave. Cutler had a 55 yard run – the team’s
longest from scrimmage - and six ground scores,
which was also tops for any/all backs. Cutler
still needs to see them coming; foe’s tally
of 33 sacks doesn’t reflect the potential
for his feet to get him out of the way. The Santa
Claus, Indiana-native has not been the same QB
in big games, but he is poised to make his last
campaign reflect improvements (each successive
season, his efficiency rating has increased),
no matter the level of VU’s opponent. (Athalon)
All-American recruit Steven Bright represents
absolutely no drop off in size, on-field performance,
and/or leadership ability. We expect to see Bright’s
number called even more as the season progresses
and if/as Cutler again struggles, for Bright will
be the 2006 guy, no doubt, and needs reps that
could easily benefit this year’s squad,
too. After these two, the talent is there so that
Commodore fans can possibly peel themselves off
the SEC floor (Nickson, Adams).
Running
Back
To
say that this unit is revamped would be an understatement.
Two backup RBs, who are truly FBs with speed,
will combine with a totally new FB package to
meet VU’s rushing demands. Knoxville’s
Cassen Jackson-Garrison runs a 4.45-second 40,
and this former Mr. Football (4A Back) is a team
leader who will as soon run around defenders as
he will over them. Ex-LB Jeff Jennings, also a
RS sophomore, is a step slower, but a size bigger
than Jackson-Garrison. Ex-LB Zach Logan (23’4”
long jump best) and Ron Bullock (4.5 speed out
of Brother Martin, NOLA) are from the same FB/TB
mold as the other two, while David Whittington
(bass/piano player) is the truest FB out of these
three. Combinations of all, if rotated well, could
work, as fresh-legged big men are stacked and
ready deep into the fourth quarters of Vandy’s
dog fights. Realistically, Jackson-Garrison will
see the bulk of the runs, with role players emerging
(Jennings as their goal line/red zone option).
The quickness of this unit – especially
in play fakes as the QBs keep LBs honest - will
surprise many and open up lots of things in their
passing game.
Receiver
Erik
Davis is one of the team’s venerable seniors
who has been productive with his efforts since
day one. “E. Diddy” runs a 4.4-second
40, and the local product (Ezell-Harding Christian)
uses every bit of his talent as either a leader,
receiver or return phenom. Marlon White is two
inches taller (6’4”), making these
two top guys a tough weekly matchup for DBs. White
tends to be the field-stretcher, while Davis quietly
gets open underneath. Career reserve Jason Burns
will get his chances, as will fellow senior Jason
Caldwell. With the speed and size of this year’s
recruits, the talent/ability is in place. And
with Cutler & Co. capably delivering the goods,
this unit should again keep defenses, least of
all, honest – and moreover, make them worried.
Tight
End
With
so many heads screwed on properly at VU, it is
no wonder they utilize their TEs so well. Senior
Dustin Dunning is the combo-package most coaches
look for in a TE – they hope his soft hands
hold up as he seriously punishes defenders inside.
Brad Allen will overlap perfectly, learning the
finer points as Dunning is at his peak.
Offensive
Line
Even
with Cutler’s feet and his moving manner,
this line is coming off a sub-par effort that
needs correcting for the Commodore’s machine
to “run” properly. Trey Holloway is
a former defensive tackle, but the senior center
seems to be the only guy VU can take to the bank.
Hamilton “Hambone” Holliday has proven
himself, at guard in his first season, but is
also a center when needed. Senior Ryan King adds
more leadership, and seems to be the choice at
left tackle, but his play will be hedged by surging
sophomore Chris Williams. Brian Stamper is another
marginal talent who has yet to genuinely reach
his potential, though he has started 20 in a row.
No one here doubts the skill level(s) of VU’s
linemen – what we see is how five components
fail to make this line equal more than the sum
of its parts.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Head
coach Bobby Johnson has his work cut out –
especially when his team’s (total) offensive
ranking slipped 11 places (for all of I-A) as
his QB’s play improved (via efficiency).
It is evidently the line that needs the most attention,
for allowing 33 sacks with the mobile Cutler and
achieving only a 3.7 ypc with strong backs (including
the distractions Cutler & Co. create) says
that the hogs aren’t keeping up. Conditioning
improvements were Johnson’s main off-season
weapon(s), so expect to see revitalized efforts
across the board. The RBs are big, but straight-ahead
speed is not one of their strengths (save Jackson-Garrison).
Keeping the backs rotated and fresh will be the
key so that defensive assignments remain murky.
Role-players can then interchange and confuse
overmatched LBs. With Cutler (and his mere five
INTs) being such a variable in what he does from
play-to-play, Vandy needs to look inward if this
much talent can’t equal more than 20 combined
fourth quarter points (2004’s total). Everything
will open up as long as they keep using the TEs/FBs
and throw it closer to half the time (rather than
the 39% they did in ’04). Johnson is no
offensive specialist, and he should scrutinize
the performances of OC Ted Cain and line coach
Robbie Caldwell if Vandy’s ball movement
again stagnates in the second halves of most games,
as it has recently.
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WR
Erik Davis (PHOTO CREDIT: Vanderbilt Athletics)
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VANDERBILT
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Jay
Cutler-Sr (6-4, 225) |
Steven
Bright-Jr (6-4, 235) |
FB |
David
Whittington-Fr (6-2, 244) |
Zach
Logan-Fr (6-0, 234) |
RB |
Jeff
Jennings-So (6-1, 228) |
Cassen
Jackson-Garrison-So (6-1, 210) |
WR |
Erik
Davis-Sr (6-1, 190) |
Jason
Caldwell-Jr (6-1, 200) |
WR |
Marlon
White-Jr (6-4, 205) |
Bryant
Anderson-Fr (6-3, 202) |
TE |
Dustin
Dunning-Sr (6-5, 250) |
Brad
Allen-Fr (6-4, 235) |
OT |
Ryan
King-Sr (6-7, 314) |
Chris
Williams-So (6-6, 307) |
OG |
Josh
Eames-So (6-5, 304) |
Merritt
Kirchoffer-So (6-5, 315) |
C |
Trey
Holloway-Sr (6-2, 293) |
Hamilton
Holliday-So (6-4, 290) |
OG |
Nigel
Seaman-Sr (6-5, 305) |
Mac
Pyle-Sr (6-4, 317) |
OT |
Brian
Stamper-Jr (6-5, 292) |
Elliott
Hood-So (6-5, 290) |
K |
Patrick
Johnson-Jr (5-10, 180) |
Daniel
Lee-Fr (5-10, 180) |
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2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
This
unit will improve after struggling to stop the
run (4.8ypc allowed) and to provide pressure on
throws (earned but 13 total sacks as a group –
three I-A players had more). The pass rush is
bolstered by ex-OLB Herdly Harrison’s move
to end. The senior leader has adapted well, and
will likely be found in a two-point stance so
his speed/assignment won’t be checked. Senior
Chris Booker returns (knee kept him out all of
2004), and he, too, will help this group move
into opposing backfields more often. Classmate
Ralph McKenzie quietly brings the most to VU’s
inside presence, while the more-athletic Ray Brown,
a former two-way player (prep), has an engine
that requires foes to mark him on every play.
Reserves constitute no talent drop, so rotations
will bring in qualified subs that will make Vandy
again respected up front. How much this unit improves
will go a long way toward defining the entire
team’s plight in ’05.
Linebacker
Senior
All-SEC WLB Moses Osemwegie has modestly become
the unit’s leader through consistent performances
and versatility. A former Mr. Football (TN, Div
II prep), Osemwegie has the speed to cover and
the bulk to run-stuff. Junior Kevin Joyce, taller
than Osemwegie, has a similar mix of skills that,
from play-to-play, will keep opposing coordinators
from assuming his role. MLB Jonathan Goff is the
most versatile of the three, but as a sophomore,
has yet to even mature fully – a great sign
for Commodore fans. He played five different positions
in prep (RB, WR, QB and safety, too), and to surpass
amply-qualified backup Otis Washington means he
must be the shizz. With others just waiting for
their chance(s), this strong unit will make all
areas of the defense better once they are truly
in sync.
Defensive
Back
There
is turnover – two starting CBs left –
but by moving senior Andrew Pace into one of the
vacancies, VU looks to have talent balanced with
experience at both secondary levels. Pace can
both cover the entire field as a tackler and smother
WRs (seven pass breakups led team). Senior Cheron
Thompson may be a nickel back, but his presence
as a leader will be priceless in Vandy’s
group of nubile reserves. Sean Dixon (runs 49.6-second
400, 22’6” long jump best) is one
of these newbies who is sound enough in coverage
to start, though the rest of the underclassmen
represent a drop-off in talent from these three.
Senior strong safety Kelechi Ohanaja has proven
himself as a good open-field tackler, but must
step up to become the cover guy his potential
promises. Reshard Langford is Vandy’s frosh
free safety, evidently impressive enough to start.
This is a well sized crew that just needs to learn
to keep the play in front of them.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
With
only nine INTs and 13 sacks, VU evidently was
barely keeping up as the (total) defense slipped
from (ranking) 63rd in 2003 to 82nd last year.
Seven foes earned 25 points or more, but the scoring
defense tightened (highest points allowed was
only 38 vs. Tennessee 11/20/04), allowing almost
five less per tilt while rising from an 82nd to
a 66th ranking in said-category. DC Bruce Fowler
is responsible for the team’s move a few
seasons ago to the now-used 4-3, but it is these
LBs that make us believe he can finally break
through with this defense. It is the right mix
of experienced talent and potential greatness
that will allow the LBs to lead the D, but it
is their overlap into the secondary that is most
critical. The depth in the DB-pool drops off once
past the primary starters and initial reserves.
VU’s line should stand up on its own well
enough such that the LB’s speed can be used
underneath.
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DE
Herdley Harrison (PHOTO CREDIT: Vanderbilt
Athletics)
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VANDERBILT
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Herdley
Harrison-Sr (6-3, 245) |
David
Carter-So (6-4, 254) |
DT |
Ray
Brown-Jr (6-3, 295) |
Gabe
Hall-So (6-1, 295) |
DT |
Ralph
McKenzie-Sr (6-4, 305) |
Lamar
Divens-So (6-4, 300) |
DE |
Chris
Booker-Sr (6-4, 252) |
Theo
Horrocks-So (6-4, 275) |
SLB |
Kevin
Joyce-Jr (6-3, 212) |
Marcus
Buggs-So (5-11, 228) |
MLB |
Jonathan
Goff-So (6-4, 235) |
Otis
Washington-Sr (5-11, 247) |
WLB |
Moses
Osemwegie-Sr (6-0, 228) |
Curtis
Gatewood-So (6-3, 220) |
CB |
Andrew
Pace-Sr (6-0, 200) |
Cheron
Thompson-Sr (5-10, 188) |
CB |
Sean
Dixon-Jr (6-0, 186) |
Josh
Allen-Fr (5-9, 172)
Jared Fagan-Fr (5-9, 172) |
SS |
Kelechi
Ohanaja-Sr (6-1, 192) |
Ben
Koger-Sr (6-1, 196) |
FS |
Reshard
Langford-Fr (6-1, 212) |
Funtaine
Hunter-Jr (6-3, 218) |
P |
Kyle
Keown-So (6-0, 200) |
Bill
Robertson-Jr (6-1, 200) |
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2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Patrick
Johnson’s stats show that 2004 was the tale of
two kickers – he went five-of-six in his first
five games, only to then go two-of-eight in the final
six. This has opened competition up (Daniel Lee is the
best of the wanna-be’s), and even with a strong
spring for Johnson, no starter has been named heading
into fall. Kicks will again average around 20 yards
of less per opponent return.
Punter
Kyle
Keown has the inside track, but the sophomore will have
to hold off the booming leg of not-even-unpacked Jake
Bradford. Any of them will likely help VU improve its
net results, which will also get a boost from the deep
LB unit.
Return
Game
Davis
(punts) and Jackson-Garrison (kicks) are slated to make
Vandy tight in their returns. Those now-departed were
responsible for marginally poor numbers, so improvements
are likely here.
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