14 of 14

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

2014 Record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)

Returning Starters: 18

Vanderbilt was gifted four wins last year thanks to a remarkably forgiving out-of-conference schedule, but one of those presents was "returned to sender" after the Commodores lost on opening night to Temple. In 2015, the 'Dores get Western Kentucky at home and Houston on the road—both of which are incredibly tough out-of-conference matchups considering where the Vandy program is at this point.

Patton Robinette's early retirement means that Johnny McCrary should become the full-time starting quarterback in Nashville, but if last year was any indication, head coach Derek Mason isn't afraid to employ a quick hook on his signal-callers. Ralph Webb is a solid running back, but a weapon outside has to materialize in order for the offense to get going.

Defensively, Caleb Azubike is a force off the edge, but will he make life easier for the rest of the cast on defense? That's a lot to ask.

It will be another struggle for Mason in Year 2.

Projected 2015 Record: 2-10 (0-8 SEC), with losses vs. Western Kentucky, vs. Georgia, at Ole Miss, at South Carolina, vs. Missouri, at Houston, at Florida, vs. Kentucky, vs. Texas A&M and at Tennessee.

Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and college football video analyst for Bleacher Report as well as a host on Bleacher Report Radio on Sirius 93, XM 208.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings and all returning starter information is courtesy of PhilSteele.com. Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.