Vanderbilt enters SEC play riding a six game winning streak and they have won by an average of 23.3 points in those games. It is their longest winning streak since they won seven in a row during the 2007-08 season. They have compiled an 11-3 record so far this season with losses against Illinois, Illinois-Chicago and at Georgia Tech. The Commodores do not really have any wins that stand out. In their last contest they did however defeat Massachusetts on the road, 78-48.

After reaching the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2007, head coach Kevin Stallings knew he would be dealing with a much younger team this season. The departure of Shan Foster and others left Stallings with no seniors and only two juniors in Jermaine Beal and George Drake. This Commodore squad includes five true freshmen, with Jeffery Taylor (6-7, forward) and Brad Tinsley (6-3, guard) averaging double figures with 12.5 and 10.4 respectfully.

In the past Vanderbilt has relied on it’s explosive offense to win games. This year Kevin Stallings has been forced to pull a Greg Maddux and change it up a little bit. Watch out because it looks like these ‘Dores know how to defend. In non-conference play the Commodores are leading all SEC teams in scoring defense (58.4ppg) and field goal percentage defense (.356). Their FG% defense is also ranked fourth in the country.

Offensively, they are led by the sophomore from down under, A.J Ogilvy (6-11, center) and junior Jermaine Beal (6-3, guard). After setting freshman scoring records at Vandy, Ogilvy was named Preseason First-Team All-SEC entering this season. He has scored in double figures in 46 of his 48 collegiate games. A mobile big man with a strong physical presence underneath, Ogilvy is averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds-per-game on the season, while shooting 54-percent from the floor.

With the turnover at the guard position Jermaine Beal was forced to step up and so far this season he has risen to the challenge. He is averaging 11.8 points-per-game and is ranked in the SEC in seven different categories. He is shooting 47-percent from downtown and simply does not turn over the basketball. Last season, he led the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio with a 3.06 mark and is doing so again this year with a 2.29. Beal just does a little bit of everything for the ‘Dores.

Jeffrey Taylor, the multi-faceted wing who was born in Sweden, has been sensational for Vanderbilt in his freshman campaign. He has scored in double figures in all but two games and is second on the team in rebounding with 6.1 per-game. Brad Tinsley, Vandy’s other impressive frosh, has been just as good. Tinsley is a combo guard who can guard both the 1 and the 2, is deadly from deep (he is shooting 43-percent) and can handle the rock.

Despite their successes defensively you have to question their drastic improvement. While they may have improved on that side of the ball, I think you obviously need to credit at least some of their success to their lack of competition. Don’t get me wrong; I think their lack of schedule strength was good for this young team as it allowed them to gain some confidence entering conference play.

Still, you have to wonder how this young team will react to the Rupp Arena crowd. Remember, last season they entered their SEC opener at Rupp undefeated and lost.

While Ogilvy is impressive underneath, especially on the offensive side of the ball, I believe he has a ways to go defensively and Patterson should have his way with him. Patterson is a beast and is getting better and better each game. He is beginning to look like he could be the best post player in the country. He already is the best post player the Cats have seen since Sam Bowie.

I just don’t see Vandy’s improved defense matching up with Patterson and Jodie Meeks and the Rupp crowd is just going to be too much for this young team. Kevin Stallings is one of the best coaches in the country and will have his team ready to play but it is going to very tough for Beal and the freshman to score enough points to stay in this game.