Nonconference opponents (with 2010 records)
Sept 3: Elon (6-5)
Sept 10: UConn (8-5)
Oct. 22: Army (7-6)
Nov. 26: at Wake Forest (3-9)
SEC home games
Sept. 17: Ole Miss
Oct. 15: Georgia
Oct. 29: Arkansas
Nov. 12: Kentucky
SEC road games
Sept. 24: at South Carolina
Oct. 8: at Alabama
Nov. 5: at Florida
Nov. 19: at Tennessee
Gut-check time: New coach James Franklin is looking to instill a new attitude at Vanderbilt. The losing history isn’t his concern. Starting a new legacy won’t be easy, but if the Commodores want to make a statement they’ll have to start the season off with wins against Elon and UConn. Starting off 2-0 should bring some excitement to Nashville.
Trap game: Army visits on Oct. 22, right after the Commodores’ trip to Georgia and a week before Arkansas comes to Nashville. Getting through the nonconference season unscathed is key for this team, so the Commodores can’t get caught resting.
Snoozer: The Commodores should open the season with a ton of juice. If Vanderbilt has energy that’s remotely close to Franklin’s, the Commodores should be able to put some points on the board in the season opener.
Telltale stretch: Calling the middle of Vanderbilt’s season a gauntlet is an understatement. But the stretch that will really show the true character of this team comes in November. After a trip to Florida, the Commodores return home to play Kentucky before traveling to Tennessee and Wake Forrest. Vanderbilt won just two games in 2010, but could equal that total during this three-game stretch. Winning two of the last three would generate nice momentum heading into the offseason.
Final analysis: Outside of the confines of Vanderbilt’s football facility, the expectations for the Commodores won’t be tremendously high, so Vanderbilt could surprise a lot of people with a couple of more wins this fall. Starting off at least 2-1 will add some much-needed confidence heading into games at South Carolina and Alabama. Both those games should leave the Commodores quite weary before a three-week home stand. Twenty-one starters return, so it would be a surprise if the Commodores don’t at least double their win total from a year ago.