Vanderbilt isn’t winning the SEC in 2015.

Likely an underdog in all eight league contests next season, the Commodores simply do not have enough offensive firepower to conquer several nationally-ranked teams thanks to continued struggles at the quarterback spot.

Derek Mason’s team will however have a say in how the Eastern Division plays out thanks to one player, arguably the SEC’s most underrated heading into the season — Ralph Webb. If Vanderbilt can avoid running the tread off of Webb’s tires with at least average quarterback play, the sophomore could be in for a special 1,000-yard season.

Going game by game against league competition, let’s project how Webb will fare:

Sept. 12 vs. Georgia — The 2015 conference opener for both teams, the Bulldogs are one of the preseason favorites thanks to Nick Chubb and a super-athletic defense featuring All-SEC outside linebacker candidates Leonard Floyd and Lorenzo Carter. Georgia’s serious speed edge will be tough to handle, but I’d expect Webb to rip a long run against a second-team front seven when the game’s out of reach.

2015 projection vs. Bulldogs: 79 yards

Sept. 26 at Ole Miss — Last season’s matchup was a 38-point romp at LP Field in Nashville in favor of the Rebels thanks to Stephen Rivers’ dreadful 6-for-25 outing under center. Webb rushed for a game-high 95 yards on 18 carries including a 28-yard burst, but the Commodores’ anemic offense — specifically on third down — fell behind 20 points by the middle of the second quarter. Vanderbilt must get first downs in this year’s game to keep Webb a factor against one of the league’s best defenses.

2015 projection vs. Rebels: 84 yards, TD

Oct. 17 at South Carolina — This is the matchup in which Webb could produce maximum potential in 2015 against a rebuilt deefnsive line under first-year Gamecocks co-coordinator Jon Hoke. Webb gashed South Carolina for 97 yards on 19 totes last fall, exposing a poor-tackling unit against the run. The Gamecocks could very well be improved with a host of newcomers up front, but the front seven is still a primary weakness entering the season.

2015 projection vs. Gamecocks: 109 yards, TD

Oct. 24 vs. Mizzou — Probably Webb’s toughest assignment this fall, going up against the league’s most undervalued defense is a challenging task. Even without dual-pass rushers Shane Ray and Markus Golden, the Tigers reload up front with Harold Brantley and heralded freshman Terry Beckner Jr. with a third consecutive division title in their sights. Some analysts could have Mizzou on upset alert in Nashville if Vanderbilt has shown a pulse on offense by this time.

2015 projection vs. Tigers: 48 yards

Nov. 7 at Florida —  The Gators replace a league-best eight NFL draft picks in 2015, most of those coming along the offensive line. Dante Fowler was the lone noteworthy exit off what should be one of college football’s better defenses at the point of attack and in the secondary. Webb averaged 5.2 yards per carry against Florida last fall and the Gators’ extremely young offense could struggle against Vanderbilt’s above-average front seven led by Nigel Bowden and Caleb Azubike.

2015 projection vs. Gators: 92 yards, TD

Nov. 14 vs. Kentucky — I’m going out on a limb here and calling this one Webb’s breakout game, Vanderbilt’s best shot at a conference win next season. It’ll be the first of three straight ‘must-wins’ at 3-6 overall and Webb will have last year’s subpar outing against the Wildcats on his mind. Without edge sealers Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, Kentucky’s defense should take a hit this fall and Webb could run wild as a result.

2015 projection vs. Wildcats: 128 yards, 2 TD

Nov. 21 vs. Texas A&M — This matchup doesn’t bode well for the Commodores, a game that could turn into a shootout by the second quarter if Vanderbilt’s secondary isn’t equipped to handle the Aggies’ starpower on the outside. Webb’s carries will be limited playing from behind and John Chavis often has a formidable game plan in stopping workhorse running backs.

2015 projection vs. Aggies: 57 yards

Nov. 28 at Tennessee — If things fall into place, Derek Barnette and Curt Maggitt will be trying to seal the Vols’ berth in the SEC Championship Game in the regular-season finale with Vanderbilt standing in the way. Anything can happen in rivalry games, but Webb will be worn down with 11 games under his belt at this point closing out the season.

2015 projection vs. Vols: 64 yards

In all, that’s 661 yards rushing and five touchdowns projected in 2015 in eight league games, likely good enough for one, possibly two, SEC victories. Should Vanderbilt upset Georgia, Missouri or Tennessee, none of those teams would recover in the Eastern Division race.

Last season, only 499 of Webb’s 907 yards came against SEC teams and he seemed to have peaked against league competition at home vs. South Carolina. He’ll need to stay healthy behind a promising host of returners up front to give Vanderbilt a chance at returning to bowl eligibility during Mason’s second campaign.