Vanderbilt Commodores

2005 Season Summary

Despite winning only two games in each of his first three seasons on the job head coach Bobby Johnson was gaining respect for the Vanderbilt Commodore football program. In 2004 five of their 9 straight up losses were by a combined 15 points, which demonstrated that Vandy was coming up close often. Despite their 2-9 straight up mark in 2004 the Commodores did have an even 5-5 split against the sportsbooks.

One of the toughest challenges in sports

Unlike the superpower teams of the SEC, Vanderbilt was NOT a football factory nor ever would be. It is, instead, a highly respected academic institution in which over 90% of its athletes graduate. The problem is that Vanderbilt has trouble attracting enough SEC caliber athletes to compete at a consistent level at football. Overall the Commodores last winning season occurred in 1982, which made Johnson's job one of the toughest challenges in sports.

Some reasons for optimism

Nobody realistically expected Vanderbilt to win the SEC for 2005 but there were some reasons for optimism and a potential bowl berth. First, Vandy did play those several close games in 2004 and had covered 9 of their last 16 games against the spread entering 2005. Second, fourth year starting quarterback Jay Cutler's return meant that the offense would be in good hands and keep Vandy in most of its games. A soft non-conference schedule would help as well.

Flying start

Vanderbilt opened the 2005 season at Wake Forest as a hefty 8.5-point bargain dog in a matchup that looked virtually even. The Commodores scored a 24-20 win for a solid confidence and morale boost heading into their SEC opener at Arkansas. Vandy was a 10.5-point dog against the Hogs and scored a 28-24 attention grabbing upset-win. Nobody quite knew that Arkansas was down and out yet for 2005 and Vandy's win over the Razorbacks meant that they would soon be a target for both opponents and of gamblers.

The home opener against Mississippi was next and the Commodores were a bargain 3-point chalk, as if nobody yet truly believed in them. There were more converts after the game as Vandy beat Ole Miss 31-23 got get off to a flying start at 3-0 both straight up and against the spread. A 37-13 win over 1-AA Richmond followed.

Gonzaga Effect

Much like when Gonzaga had their first great run in the NCAA basketball tournament, Vanderbilt was now no longer a secret as they stood at 4-0 straight up and seemingly on their way to a bowl game. Now the mainstream gambling public wanted a piece of the action, which meant that Vandy would suffer a Gonzaga effect and lose most of their value against the betting boards.

In their next game at home against a struggling Middle Tennessee State team from the Sun Belt Conference, the Commodores were thrust into the role of a rare 14.5-point chalk and suffered a costly 15-17 upset loss. This game, more than any other on the schedule, would be one of regret come season's end.

Powers flexed their muscles

LSU came calling next as a 17-point chalk and blew the Commodores off the field in a 34-6 win. Georgia next paid a visit to Vandy as 16-point chalks in a 34-17 win and cover, as the SEC powers flexed their muscles. Vanderbilt's problems continued in their next game at South Carolina where they lost a tough 28-35 decision as 7-point dogs to fall to 4-4 straight up and 3-3-1 against the spread.

So close and yet so far

Vandy needed 2 wins in their final 3 games for that elusive bowl berth. As 19-point dogs at Florida they lost an epic, yet heartbreaking 42-49 overtime game. In the home finale against reeling Kentucky as 12-point chalks they were upset 43-48 for another costly defeat. With their bowl hopes gone, Vandy got consolation with a 28-24 upset win at Tennessee as +11 dogs.