Run the ball
Vandy should win this game seeing as they have, for the most part, superior
players. Vandy has much more depth than Richmond, an I-AA school. If
Vandy can successfully run the football, and wear down Richmond’s defense, depth
will become a deciding factor, and the Commodores will have a huge
advantage. With Jeff Jennings back and healthy, he will provide a power
back for VU while Jared Hawkins will provide a deep threat. Cassen
Jackson-Garrison will be a solid back giving Vandy a lot of depth. And
Chris Nickson can never be counted out of the run game.
It’ll be interesting to see…
How well Curtis Gatewood plays. After being a solid on-field performer
in 2006, Gatewood has set the bar even higher. His goal? Fifteen
sacks. It will be interesting to watch how aggressive he will be going
after Richmond quarterback and 2006 A-10 Rookie of the Year Eric Ward. Also, Gatewood may become key in stopping Richmond’s run attack led
by sophomore Timothy Hightower. In addition to Hightower, Richmond has John Vaughn and Justin Forte as guys who can break a big run (They averaged 6.6 and
6.8 yards per carry last year.)
Special Teams
If Vandy wants to break their 25-year old drought they will have to get
better on Special Teams. Bryant Hahnfeldt had difficult with the
place-kicking duties in 2006, only making 8 of 17 field goals last
year. Vanderbilt struggled in the return game, and Gaston Miller struggled
during pre-season practice. However, DB Jamie Graham could change all of
that. He was a highly-touted athlete out of Whites Creek who was a QB, RB,
DB, and a very speedy returner who can easily break a long return. Sean Walker, a deep-threat receiver, could see some action on Special Teams
returns.
Starting on the Right Foot
Earl Bennett, Jonathan Goff, Brian Stamper, Chris Williams, and Chris Nickson
were all named to the coaches’ preseason all-SEC list. For VU to have a
successful campaign this year, all of these players must live up to the
expectations. Richmond provides a perfect opportunity for these players to
have a great game and set the morale even higher for this team.
Fountain of Youth
One potential upside for both squads is that each one had tremendous youth
last year. A key factor for the Commodores will be their defensive
secondary. Sophomore D.J. Moore is just one of the many returning starters
in the secondary that returns safeties Rashard Langford, Ryan Hamilton, former
Hoover High School standout Joel Caldwell, and cornerbacks Dalron Spead, Jared Fagan, Myron Lewis, and Whites Creek standout Jamie Graham. Richmond
started both a freshman quarterback and tailback as well as others that defeated
I-A Duke 13-0 last season.
Last Meeting: VU 37 – UR 13