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| Eric Kordenbrock looks to lead a rejuvenated VMI team into 2013 |
Last season, the VMI Keydets were 2-9 and 1-5 in conference play, and finished the season on a 6 game losing streak. The two wins came over Division II Chowan and conference foe Presbyterian. During the season, VMI lost three consecutive conference games to Coastal Carolina, Gardner-Webb, and Stony Brook by a combined score of 117-21.
In last year’s season finale, Liberty dispatched the Keydets 33-14 in Lexington on November 17th. Despite the final margin, the game was heavily contested until the last 6 minutes of the game where Liberty scored 14 consecutive points to pull away from VMI. The Flames were led by Aldreakis Allen and Sirchauncey Holloway who each had 2 rushing touchdowns on the day. The Keydets were led by quarterback Eric Kordenbrock’s 220 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Flames held the Keydets to just 26 yards rushing on the afternoon.
Offense
The Keydets return the majority of their playmakers in 2013 including quarterback Eric Kordenbrock. Kordenbrock ended up having a solid season in 2012 as he threw for over 2,000 yards. VMI also returns their top two rushers as well in Jabari Turner and Derrick Ziglar; however, they combined for just over 600 yards on the season. Receiver James Rogers had a productive season with 32 receptions and 320 yards. He will look to take a step forward with another year of experience under his belt.
VMI was one of the worst offenses in the Big South in 2012 as they averaged just 12.1 points per game and scored only 17 touchdowns. Compare those numbers with Liberty who averaged 27.2 points per game and scored 40 touchdowns. The Keydets total offensive numbers were dead last in the conference averaging just under 270 yards a game. The biggest area for improvement can come in the rushing attack as the Keydets were dead last in the conference with just 71 yards rushing per game in 2012.
Defense
On defense, the Keydets will have to replace 2 starters on the defensive line in Charlie Jones and Shawn Champman. Jones was a 1st team all-conference selection in 2012 as he had 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Chapman added 2.5 sacks as well. Linebackers Weston Reber and Logan Staib return. Reber was VMI’s leading tackler in 2012 with 87, and Staib had 7.5 tackles for loss. In the secondary James Fruehan and Adam Morgan both return. Morgan should see significant improvement as he will be entering his 1st full offseason as a defensive back after originally being recruited as a quarterback.
Schedule
8/31 @ Richmond
9/7 vs Glenville State
9/14 vs North Greenville
9/21 @ Virginia
9/28 vs Robert Morris
10/12 vs Charleston Southern
10/19 @ Presbyterian
10/26 @ Coastal Carolina
11/2 @ Liberty
11/9 vs Gardner-Webb
11/16 @ The Citadel
11/23 vs Bucknell
Outlook
If the Keydets are able to improve their rushing attack in 2013, they will be able to put some pressure on opposing defenses. This will allow them to keep their defense rested and off the field. Also, the schedule helps out the Keydets a bit as they have Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb, both winnable games, at home. VMI could see as many as 5 wins in 2013, more than doubling their output from 2012.
Previous Big South Team Previews
Presbyterian
Gardner-Webb
