Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville Tennessee
Northwestern is coming off two seasons where the team combined for 17 wins. Vanderbilt followed up a 2008 season where it won its first bowl game in 53 years with a 2-10 (0-8 SEC) performance in 2009. It also debuts its new coach Robbie Caldwell. This is the third time that NU and Vandy have met, and the first time in Nashville. The Wildcats and Commodores played to a 20-20 tie in 1952; Vandy won 3-0 in a riveting matchup in 1947. This is NU’s third matchup against the SEC conference in the Expect Victory Era and the tenth in school history. Vanderbilt expects a sell-out in their stadium, which holds a little less than 40,000. Coach Fitz has never lost an opening game and the Cats have won five in a row; Vandy has won its last three openers.
Injury Report: For Northwestern, Safety David Arnold and Linebacker Roderick Goodlow are out, which is no surprise. It was reported yesterday that Linebacker Bryce McNaul will miss the Vanderbilt game and will be replaced by Ben Johnson. Arby Fields is not on the injury report. No one else on the two-deep is listed on NUs injury report. There is a little bit of thin at the LB position, so hopefully the weather will not be an issue. Looks like it should be pretty comfortable.
For Vandy, there are question marks at the tailback position as sophomore tailback Warren Norman is recovering from a knee scope just last week. Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate (brother of Golden Tate) also had injury issues in August. The ‘Dores will likely use a running back committee. Between the two teams, fans could literally see eight tailbacks in this game. Vandy is also a little banged up at Corner, Junior Jamie Graham is out; while Casey Hayward will play with a cast or split on his arm.
When Northwestern has the Ball:
Players to watch…
Dan Persa: It is his show now, for the next two years. He has a relatively young defense to throw against. In addition to being a little slim at corner, Vandy starts a freshman at free safety, Jay Fullam. Sean Richardson is the other safety and is regarded as one of the top strong safeties in the SEC.
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| Photo credit: Athens Banner Herald Online |
Drake Dunsmore: The biggest mismatch in the game is whether Vandy has a player that can match up with Drake Dunsmore – and get ready to hear that a lot this season. While Drake is recovering from having a rib removed, he should be ready to roll tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how Vandy tries to cover him. Linebackers Archibald Barnes (6’4”) and John Stokes (6’5”) are tall enough, but whether they are fleet of foot enough to keep up with Dunsmore remains to be seen.
In the trenches: Vandy has seniors at both ends in Teriall Brannon and Theron Kadri, which will put some pressure on Patrick Ward and Al Netter. There will be times when Dunsmore and Josh Rooks will need to help block. The rest of the NU line should be able to make holes for Arby Fields and the tailback crew.
Overall impression: Vandy’s defense presents some interesting challenges for NU. It is clearly the strength of the team and the ‘Dores will clearly try to rattle Persa early. NU needs to try to establish the run early and allow the passing game to flow from there. It may take a quarter or two to get things going, but in the end, NU’s skill players should be able to score enough points.
When Vanderbilt has the Ball:
Players to watch…
Brandon Barden (TE): Vanderbilt’s active leader in receptions is a 6’5” 250 monster of a tight end (Dunsmore is 6’3” 235). He will see most of the work as fellow tight end Austin Monahan will miss the season with an ACL tear. Most teams with a struggling offense will use their tight end a great deal in the passing game, and Vandy should be no different. Look for Ben Johnson to cover Barden in most sets.
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| Photo credit: College Football News.com |
Larry Smith (QB): Smith was named the starter this week by Coach Caldwell. Which was a surprise to some considering Vandy’s woes on offense in 2009. Smith is small and mobile at 6’2” 220, which means his legs and ability to create may be his best weapon. On the other hand, if the Cats front seven can put some pressure on Smith early, he may panic and try to do too much with his legs.
In the trenches: NU’s front seven should absolutely manhandle the younger and (relative to other O-Lines) smaller front five for Vandy. The ‘Dores start a freshman (Wesley Johnson) and a sophomore (Caleb Welchans) at the tackle positions. Vince Browne, Kevin Watt, along with their rotation-mates Quentin Williams and Tyler Scott should be able to have their way. This is the biggest mis-match in the entire game; and in the end will be the difference.
Overall Impression: NU’s defense is just too strong. While Vandy may be able to etch out a few drives, this is a clear case of strength against weakness. There will be a lot of three-and-outs.
Intangibles: There is a lot going on with this game. While it may “only” be Northwestern against Vanderbilt, Saturday is the only scheduled Big Ten vs. SEC matchup of the season, so there is conference pride on the line. NU, while playing in a stadium much small than Ryan Field, will still be playing an SEC opponent at night. Vandy has their new coach to play for. Both teams have had recent success in opening games, so something will have to give.
Oh, and there is a little matter involving my personal attendance at the game. I have an absolute abysmal record of NU roadies. So my personal apologies to Wildcat fans if things go awful down there.
Bottom Line: It may take a little while, but NU will eventually take control of this game. Vandy’s offense is not built for a comeback and their defense just has a few too many holes. There is a lot of youth on both sides of the ball, so we are going to see mistakes and turnovers. But in the end, NU’s skill and depth will reign supreme.
Cats win 27-13.
Go Cats!
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