SEC Power Rankings: Eastern Division running backs by team

Jan 4, 2014; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Brian Kimbrow (25) scores against the Houston Cougars during the 2014 Compass Bowl at Legion Field. The Commodores defeated the Cougars 41-24. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

No. 7 – Vanderbilt Commodores

Probable Big Horses: Brian Kimbrow, Ralph Webb, Jerron Seymour

Last in the alphabet, and in the rankings, Vandy will take a big fall from the level of respectability they achieved under former head coach James Franklin, particularly running the ball.

Their backs aren’t bad, but their offensive line is, and without the big passing threat they’ve had over the past few seasons, big strong defensive lines (like Georgia and South Carolina) will be able to key on the running game and shut it down pretty quickly.

Kimbrow is a good speedy back, and he’s bulked up and gotten a little stronger this year, which will help him when running between the tackles. Seymour is a veteran who will give them depth, and redshirt freshman Webb looked very good during spring drills, but none of it is enough to put Vandy past any of the other teams in the East.

It’s going to be a long season of trying to run the ball for Derek Mason’s Commodores.