As I sit here reviewing Vanderbilt's 2023 football season, I can't help but draw parallels to that Tulfo quote about last-ditch efforts coming too late. Honestly, that's exactly what this season felt like at times - flashes of brilliance that arrived just a bit too late to change the overall narrative. The Commodores finished 5-7 overall and 2-6 in SEC play, showing glimpses of potential while ultimately falling short of bowl eligibility for what feels like the hundredth time. I've been covering this program for fifteen years now, and while the record might not show dramatic improvement, I saw something different this year - something that makes me cautiously optimistic.
Let me break down what actually happened on the field this season. The offense showed significant improvement, averaging 24.3 points per game compared to last year's 17.4. Quarterback AJ Swann threw for 2,731 yards with 22 touchdowns, though his 14 interceptions remain concerning. What impressed me most was the development of Will Sheppard at receiver - 68 catches for 891 yards and 9 touchdowns. Those numbers might not jump off the page for casual SEC fans, but for Vanderbilt? That's legitimate progress. The offensive line allowed only 18 sacks all season, which represents massive improvement from the 38 they gave up in 2022. Defensively... well, there's still work to do. The unit ranked near the bottom of the SEC in virtually every major category, surrendering 35.2 points per game. But I saw young players like De'Rickey Wright and CJ Taylor showing real promise - the kind that makes me think defensive coordinator Nick Howell might finally have the pieces to build something respectable.
The Tulfo observation about timing really resonates when I think about specific games this season. That thrilling 38-35 victory over Florida in November? Classic case of showing up just when everyone had written them off. The stadium was maybe half-full that day, reminding me of those "last-ditch ticketing sale efforts" - the product was finally there, but the audience had already moved on. Meanwhile, the 31-15 loss to Missouri the following week demonstrated how inconsistent this team remains. It's frustrating because the talent is clearly improving under Clark Lea's leadership. Recruiting has seen a noticeable uptick, with the 2023 class ranking 12th in the SEC rather than its usual spot at the bottom. Lea has brought in three consecutive top-45 classes, which might not sound impressive until you consider Vanderbilt hadn't signed a single top-50 class in the previous decade.
Looking ahead to 2024, I'm genuinely excited about several aspects of this program. The offense returns eight starters, including Swann and Sheppard. The defensive secondary brings back four players with starting experience. The schedule features winnable non-conference games against Georgia State, Alabama A&M, and Virginia - I'm predicting they go 3-0 there. Where I differ from some analysts is my belief that Vanderbilt needs to stop obsessing over immediate bowl eligibility and focus on sustainable growth. The infrastructure improvements - the $300 million football operations center set to open next fall, the increased NIL collective funding that's reached approximately $2.5 million annually - these are the real game-changers. They're addressing the systemic issues rather than applying band-aid solutions.
What many fans don't realize is how much the transfer portal has helped this program. Last cycle, Vanderbilt added 14 transfers, including immediate contributors like linebacker Kane Patterson from Clemson and offensive lineman Gunnar Hansen from Temple. This approach reminds me of smart mid-major programs that supplement their recruiting classes with experienced players. It's not the flashiest strategy, but it's building depth in ways Vanderbilt hasn't had in decades. The culture shift under Lea is palpable too - players actually want to be here now, rather than seeing Vanderbilt as a stepping stone or academic compromise.
The biggest challenge remains the SEC schedule. Even with Texas and Oklahoma joining next year, Vanderbilt's cross-divisional games include Alabama and LSU - arguably the two toughest opponents possible. The conference is only getting stronger, and Vanderbilt's margin for error remains razor-thin. But here's what gives me hope: the team's performance in close games improved dramatically this season. They went 3-2 in games decided by one score after going 1-5 in such games last year. That's not luck - that's development, better conditioning, and improved coaching.
I'll be honest - I've been burned before by Vanderbilt football optimism. Remember the James Franklin years? We all thought the corner had been turned permanently. But what I see now feels different, more sustainable. The administration's commitment appears genuine rather than reactionary. The recruiting focuses on finding players who actually fit the academic profile rather than taking academic risks that never pan out. The facilities investment represents the largest in program history. Are they still a year or two away from consistent bowl appearances? Probably. But for the first time in a long time, I can actually see the path there. The pieces are slowly coming together, and unlike those "last-ditch efforts" Tulfo described, Vanderbilt's rebuilding project appears to be starting at the right time rather than too late. The foundation is being laid properly, and while patience remains required, the direction is finally pointing upward in a meaningful way.
