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| | Monday, September 4 Commodores sailing toward postseason | |||||
| By Pat Forde Special to ESPN.com Vanderbilt Commodores 1999 record: 5-6 (2-6) Coach: Woody Widenhofer Returning starters: 16 (7 offense, 9 defense) Outlook Last year Vandy was a stunning 5-3 and came achingly close against Florida (a 13-6 loss) and Kentucky (a 19-17 loss) to earning its first bowl bid since 1982. This year the Commodores might seal the deal. With the exception of receptions, the leaders in every offensive, defensive and special teams statistical category return. The lines should be solid. Sixteen of the 22 positions on the defensive depth chart are manned by juniors and seniors. And if quarterback Greg Zolman can cut down on his 16 interceptions of a year ago, he could have a great season. It should boil down to the usual Widenhofer dilemma: a very good defense and a questionable offense. But it figures to be his best team in four years in Nashville. As usual, Vandy should strive to get its six victories before the calendar his November. The 'Dores wind up with Florida (nine straight losses), Kentucky (four straight losses) and Tennessee (17 straight losses). And in an effort to sell tickets, Vandy has moved its home game against the Vols to the Titans' Adelphia Coliseum -- which will only result in an increase in orange in the stands. Keep an eye on ... Linebacker Jamie Winborn might be the best in a league loaded with quality LBs. He's led the SEC the past two years in tackles (141 a year ago), and also added 23 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He's the latest linebacker to stand out for Widenhofer, who coached Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Andy Russell on the Steel Curtain defenses of the 1970s. It's a good season if ... Vandy gives its law school a football program it can be proud of -- and a bowl game its rich alums can attend. |
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