OTM 2012 SEC Preview: Day 2 - Vanderbilt

Teresa Walker from the AP in Nashville stops by to preview the 2012 Vanderbilt Commodores. Many eyes will be on Vanderbilt this season. With a 6-7 finish and the buzz of James Franklin recruiting class, the question is will Vanderbilt take that next step in 2012? With a SEC East that has been down the last few years, prospects could look high glancing at their schedule. With the exception of conference road games vs. Georgia and Mizzou, Vanderbilt has the home field against the likes of Auburn, Florida, and South Carolina. The 2011 team beat the teams they were supposed to and gave Georgia and Florida everything they had in short losses. Even with another 6-6 season, Vanderbilt can climb out of the SEC cellar for the 1st time in years. James Franklins hopes for more than just a flash in the pan unlike previous coaching eras. The X-Factors for Vanderbilt's success or demise is the Offensive Line play and Secondary position for defense. A healthy Vanderbilt team could compete with most of the SEC East opponents on their upcoming slate. With no Alabama, LSU, or Arkansas, the Commodores with a few breaks can see a 8-4 season at best on paper. However, in the real world, 6-6 is the safe bet and James Franklin has another piece to his culture rennovation in Nashville. Key players: QB Jordan Rogers WR Jordan Matthews LB Archibald Barnes LB Chase Graham