SEC Power Rankings: Eastern division defenses

Jan 4, 2014; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores fullback Joseph Hoffman (45) during the 2014 Compass Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt Commodores

Defensive Coordinator: David Kotulski (1st year)
2013 ranks – 42nd vs. run, 23rd vs. pass

Anytime you have a new head coach and a new defensive coordinator coming in, it’s going to be a rough transition. While Vandy’s defense wasn’t horrible last season, expect them to take a slight step back given the circumstances.

The Commodores are moving to a 3-4 base defense this season under Kotulski, and honestly their personnel is much more suited for that, to put one in the plus column there.

Their defensive line has some size, and the linebackers have some speed. The true value of this defense however is in the secondary, where Vandy really does have some playmakers. Keep an eye on linebacker Nigel Bowden, who redshirted last season. He’ll be exceptional in pass coverage, and has explosive speed when called on to blitz. He’ll be a nightmare for some opposing QBs.