Elon @ Vanderbilt preview

THE STORY: Two new coaches lock horns when Vanderbilt meets Elon. James Franklin runs the Commodores and immediately brought in one of the program’s best recruiting classes in recent memory. Elon coach Jason Swepson steps in with the tall task of preparing the Phoenix for their first game against a Southeastern Conference opponent.

TV: Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast, ESPN Game Plan, ESPN3.com. LINE: None.

ABOUT ELON (6-5 in 2010): Swepson spent the previous 12 years on Tom O’Brien’s staffs at North Carolina State and Boston College. He replaces Pete Lembo, who led Elon to four consecutive winning seasons to cap a five-year tenure with the Phoenix before leaving to take over at Ball State. Elon is going to gamble on both sides of the ball, installing an up-tempo spread on offense and a defensive system that relies on man coverage.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (2-10 in 2010): Franklin installed the pro-style offense he previously ran as the coordinator at Maryland, but heading into game week, uncertainty remained over whether he or offensive coordinator John Donovan will be calling the plays. The new defense is a 4-3 base with principles from the cover two and zone blitz included.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Vanderbilt ranked among the bottom 30 teams in the FBS in scoring, scoring defense, total offense and total defense last year.

2. The last time Vanderbilt played an opponent from the Southern Conference was in 2009, when it defeated Western Carolina 45-0. That was also the last time the Commodores were above .500.

3. Elon’s Thomas Wilson, a career backup, faces the tall task of replacing Scott Riddle, who ended his career with the Phoenix as the all-time leading passer in Southern Conference history.

PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 38, Elon 14 - Franklin has given Vanderbilt’s program a much-needed jolt of enthusiasm. The Commodores usher in their new era with a comfortable victory.