Tucker’s Vanderbilt Record Prediction
Credit: Vanderbilt University Athletics
RECORD PREDICTION: 3-9
Vanderbilt’s step back to Square One in Clark Lea’s third season was a disappointment on West End to say the least.
The Commodores went from playing for a shot at a bowl against Tennessee at the end of 2022 to finishing 2-10 without a win after Week 1 in 2023.
2024 doesn’t look much better for Clark Lea and company as the arms race in the SEC seems to have passed Vandy by.
Virginia Tech comes to Nashville to start the season. The Hokies are expected to make a jump in the ACC this season, so this is probably a minimum three-score loss for the Dores.
Alcorn State and the trip to Georgia State are both probable wins. Having to go to Atlanta likely complicates the Georgia State game, but Shawn Elliott taking off for the tight ends coach job at South Carolina has forced the Panthers into an unwanted rebuild.
The games at Missouri and at home against Alabama will not be close losses. The Commodores usually play Kentucky alright in Lexington, but it still appears to be a loss on paper.
Ball State should be a victory for the Commodores.
You might find it surprising that Vandy holds an 8-3-1 record over Texas all time. Those wins were all close to a century ago, and it’s safe to say the programs have evolved in opposite directions.
Auburn should be improved by the time Vandy goes to the plains. However, it’s worth noting possible Vandy starting quarterback was a big part of New Mexico State’s 31-10 win over the Tigers last season.
South Carolina appears as the one SEC game the Commodores could have a chance in, but history says otherwise as the Gamecocks have 15 straight over Vandy.
The final two games of the season at LSU and at home against Tennessee should not be close losses.
So, if Vandy goes 3-9, does it fire Clark Lea?
Maybe. It’s difficult to judge the disadvantageous Commodores in the age of NIL and the transfer portal.
But it’s also hard to keep a coaching job when your first four seasons are losing ones.
