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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) rushes against Missouri Tigers cornerback John Gibson (5) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) rushes against Missouri Tigers cornerback John Gibson (5) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Season record: 4-8, 2-6 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 1 vs. South Carolina

Derek Mason needed improvement to show for his Commodores to have a successful 2015 season and improve is exactly what they did. While Vanderbilt only increased their win total by one game, they were certainly more competitive as a team and a huge reason for that improvement was their defense, which finished 6th in the SEC and 28th in the country.

In order for Vanderbilt to keep improving, quarterback Kyle Shurmur has to help lead the offense and add stability. Ralph Webb is what makes the offense go but it will need a stable quarterback to lead them through the tough games on their schedule.

Webb is without a doubt the best offensive player on the team. He rushed for 1,152 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2015.

The defense will be led by junior linebacker, Zach Cunningham who didn’t even start until the third week of the 2015 season and was still named a first-team All-SEC performer. Cunningham has great instincts and speed. Vanderbilt also returns seven starters from last year’s squad on the defensive side of the ball. Expect the Commodores to have one of the best defenses in the league again in 2016.

Next: No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats

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