There are 44 days until the start of LSU’s football season and this is the first of 12 previews of the SEC teams.

The Vanderbilt Commodores have hired three head coaches in the past year including their newest leader - James Franklin.

When picking pre-season team rankings, Vanderbilt is almost always last or next to last as the Commodores have managed just one winning season since 1983.

After going through consecutive 2-10 finishes, it may take a while before the wins come on back-to-back weeks for the Commodores.

The Commodores finished last season on a seven-game losing streak as Vanderbilt’s offense averaged only 4.6 yards per play.

No Vandy runner or receiver accounted for more than 459 yards last year and the offensive line allowed 35 sacks and 90 tackles for loss last season.

Vanderbilt’s defense wasn’t much better than its offense. They allowed 4.5 yards per rush and for 7.8 yards per pass attempt.

So what can Vanderbilt fans expect this year? Maybe four or five wins at best - a bowl bid will be out of their reach.

The Commodores, not on LSU’s schedule this season, will have a hard time winning any SEC games.

After opening the season at home against Elon and Connecticut, Vanderbilt then hosts Ole Miss.

Road trips to South Carolina and Alabama will bring the Dores back down to earth even if they are 2-1 at that point.

The Georgia Bulldogs invade Nashville on Oct. 15 followed by Army and Arkansas.

Vanderbilt visits Florida before returning home for a rival game against Kentucky.

The season ends with road trips to Tennessee and Wake Forest.

A couple of players to watch for the Commodores:

Junior defensive tackle Rob Lohr had 3.5 sacks and 7.5 TFL last season.

Senior middle linebacker Chris Marve had 2.5 sacks and 8 TFL in 2010.

Senior cornerback Casey Hayward finished with 6 intercepted and 11 passes defended last year.

Return specialist Warren Norman and senior tight end Brandon Barden are also expected to be important players for the Dores this season.

Barden led the Commodores in several receiving categories, including receptions and receiving yards last year.

The Commodores look to be competitive this season, but it could be another long season for Vanderbilt.

Next: Kentucky