With 23 starters returning from last season’s squad, theVanderbilt Commodores hope to improve on a disappointing 2-10 2003season.
The Commodores struggled out of the gate to start the 2004campaign, dropping their Sept. 4 home opener to South Carolina,31-6.
While sophomore quarterback Jay Cutler did throw for 270 yardsin the game — his two interceptions, one returned for a 98yard touchdown, and the team’s four fumbles ultimately becametoo much to overcome.
Head coach Bobby Johnson pointed out the team’s anemicrushing attack — which managed only 36 yards — as areason for the loss.
“They pushed us around, and ran the ball down ourthroats,” Johnson said in a post-game press conference.”We were right pitiful in the running game.”
With an open date last Saturday, Vanderbilt has turned its focusto their Sept. 18 matchup with Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. In lastseason’s opener, the Commodores lost a heartbreaker to OleMiss after former quarterback Eli Manning led the Rebels to afourth-quarter, come-from-behind victory, 24-21.
The Commodores have relatively easy non-conference games at Navy(Sept. 25), vs. Rutgers (Oct. 9) and Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 23).Key conference games will be at Ole Miss on Saturday, againstMississippi State (Oct. 2) and at Kentucky (Nov. 13).
In addition to Cutler, the Commodore offense returns several keyplayers to the 2004 squad.
The receiving corps is led by All-SEC candidate Erik Davis, ajunior who registered 41 catches for 638 yards last season. Davisalso caught five passes for 71 yards in the loss to SouthCarolina.
Veteran running backs Norval McKenzie and Kwane Doster will bothsee significant playing time at running back this season.
Doster led the team against South Carolina with 24 yards rushingand one touchdown.
On defense, the Commodores are led by preseason All-SEClinebacker Moses Osemwegie and defensive end Jovan Haye.
Osemwegie, a junior, led the SEC in unassisted tackles (78) lastseason. Primarily an outside linebacker, his versatility makes himcapable of playing all three linebacker positions.
Haye’s eight-and-a-half quarterback sacks last season tiedfor best in the SEC, in addition to multiple sacks against Georgia,Kentucky and SMU.
The offensive line is anchored by pre-season All-American lefttackle Justin Geisinger, a senior who only allowed one sack lastseason.
Entering his third season as head coach, Johnson said theplayers understand their weaknesses and are working hard toimprove.
“Our goal will remain the same,” Johnson said beforethe season began. “We want to keep working, trying to getbetter every day.”
