Better or worse in 2016: Vanderbilt run defense
Vanderbilt’s defense did all it could last year to cover for an offense that struggled from the get-go. The Commodores, even though they finished just 4-8, played well enough to win more games than that. It’s the shame the balance was so one-sided.
How good were the numbers? How do three games allowing less than 40 yards rushing sound? How about top half in the SEC and top 33 nationally in rush defense? How about first in the SEC in third-down conversion percentage (28.2 percent) and sixth in the nation?
That’s darn good.
And there’s enough back on defense – eight starters return, led by Zach Cunningham (above) – in 2016 to think more good things lie ahead. With a better offense, there’s high hope in Nashville that things are looking up.
Here’s a look at the Vanderbilt run defense:
2015 STATS
FRONT SEVEN
The defensive line was stout against the run last year, but there were too many games where they wore down because of a lack of depth and got gashed on the ground late. There’s hope that problem will be rectified with more depth and experience in 2016.
Jonathan Wynn had a good first year at DE after a move from linebacker and will be good to watch in 2016. Adam Butler is a likely starter on the other end, and Jay Woods and Nifae Lealao probably get the lead on the inside at defensive tackle.
The linebacker corps is solid, headlined by Nigel Bowden (above, left) and Cunningham. Caleb Peart should step into the big shoes left by Stephen Weatherly, who skipped off to the NFL. Landon Stokes will be in the mix for sure, as well. Same with Jordan Griffin and Josh Smith.
WHO IS THE SECONDARY ENFORCER?
Cornerbacks Torren McGaster (51 tackles) and Tre Herndon (47) finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in tackles last season. Both love mixing it up in the running game and they’re back for more in 2016.
Even though they didn’t pick off many passes, they are sure stay involved in the running game to keep those numbers low.
GREATEST CONCERN
Giving up six 100-yard rushers last season — including three in the final three games — was more a product of a lack of depth than a lack of talent among the starters. There were too many games where they simply ran out of gas. There should be better depth in 2016, but that’s still to be determined, especially along the defensive line. Someone needs to step up, both inside and on the edge.
ONE STAT THAT MUST IMPROVE IN 2016
Improve? How about reprise? The Commodores were great getting off the field last year, allowing conversions on third down at an alarmingly low 28.2 percent clip.
That was best in the SEC and sixth overall nationally. With the hope being that the Vandy offense is better, that field position edge might make a big difference.
BETTER/WORSE IN 2016
Let’s go with better when it comes to yards per game, where seventh in the league at 143.3 yards per game is good but may very well go down. The linebackers Bowden and Cunningham are worth the price of admission and the D-Line should be better through four quarters with better depth.