Remember when the Commodores shocked then sixth-ranked South Carolina on Oct. 20? The defense was superb and the offense almost mistake-free, and despite a demoralizing defeat against Georgia the week before, the Commodores were seemingly en route to a bowl eligible season.

Despite a stomping by Florida two weeks later, Vanderbilt still could have won one of its next two games to reach the postseason. Then we watched the Commodores blow the Kentucky game and drop a heartbreaker at Tennessee when Bryant Hahnfeldt's 49-yard field goal sailed barely wide.

And now the season-ending collapse has stirred mixed sentiments about whether or not Vanderbilt is better off without Bobby Johnson. It's not.
It isn't his fault that his best halfback fumbled on Georgia's eight-yard line with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Nor is it his fault that his kicker, who hit last year's game winner against Georgia, has been extremely unreliable and missed two field goals and an extra point against Kentucky. Vanderbilt lost that game by seven points.

Nonetheless, the Commodore offense became conservative way too early in games. It stopped trying to score points in favor of not turning the ball over in all three of the team's critical losses. That is a coaching decision, whether it's the offensive coordinator or head coach, and something needs to change for next season.

Vanderbilt had a legitimate chance at winning nine games and the Southeastern Conference, but critical mistakes at critical times dropped that win total to five. Still, how often could you say that the Commodores had a chance to finish 9-3 before Johnson arrived? The answer is never.

The biggest problem for the Commodores is with less talent, they can afford fewer mistakes, which explains its narrow defeats. But, that shouldn't diminish the fact that Johnson put together a team that was competitive in what is hands-down the best six-team division in college football, the SEC East.

The Commodores averaged less than one SEC win and two overall in his first three years as coach. Both of those averages have more than doubled over his last three seasons. Vanderbilt hasn't been this competitive in the SEC since the early 90s, and its only going to get better.

Recruiting classes are improving. Good recruits are the foundation necessary for a good program, and if he's bringing them here, then there's no reason to get rid of him. Players are increasingly skilled, strong and athletic, and Johnson's staff does a great job developing them.

Vanderbilt has much more difficult academic and character standards than any other SEC school, and still has taken some big steps over the last few years, and will continue under Johnson's guidance.

Unless the school can bring in a very prestigious coach who has a successful track record in major Division I-A programs, Vanderbilt is better off being patient and sticking with Bobby Johnson at the helm.