It has been four years since Woody Widenhofer started doling out bold and repeated campaign promises of better days for Vanderbilt, yet little has changed.

One thing has changed, however.

After having to pry his foot out of his mouth again last year when his team posted a 3-8 record, Widenhofer says he will be more realistic with his expectations ... especially publicly.

"I am going to be more careful with what I say,'' Widenhofer said. "I won't be making any predictions about the season.''

Still, he remains guardedly optimistic that this could finally be the year Vanderbilt actually gets it done in the SEC. All the pieces seemed to be in place last year, but the early-season suspensions of two key defensive players -- linebacker Jamie Winborn and cornerback Jimmy Williams -- were enough to douse the flame before September had come to an end.

Like last year, the Commodores have plenty of key players returning this season, especially at offensive skill positions that have been a problem for many years.

Greg Zolman has restored some confidence to the quarterback position, but still suffers his share of lapses. He ended his junior season throwing five interceptions against Florida, but was outstanding in a 28-26 loss to Tennessee.

Part of the consistency problem for Zolman is that he has never had an adequate receiving corps. Zolman's only proven receiver is Dan Stricker, who had 61 catches for 994 yards and five touchdowns last year. Others who have shown flashes include M.J. Garrett, Anthony Jones and H-back Chris Young.

Ray Perkins' explosive speed helped him burst onto the scene as a freshman running back and he appeared to be the undisputed starter heading into 2001 before senior Rodney Williams' resurgence in spring practice.

The line has four players back who have seen time as starters, but depth is a great concern -- much like the defensive line.

Senior linebacker Nate Morrow is a two-year starter on the outside and Antuian Bradford is a veteran inside, but otherwise there's uncertainty -- much like the secondary. That group received improved depth in the spring when sophomores Ian Gaines and Lorenzo Parker were moved from offense and claimed backup cornerback spots.

Perhaps the most significant step on defense is that Widenhofer, who arrived at Vanderbilt as a defensive coordinator, is stepping back into the defensive huddle.

"I'm going to get heavily back involved with the defense,'' Widenhofer said. "That's my strong suit. I talked it over with (defensive coordinator) Herb (Paterra) and the defensive staff and they're glad to have me back. I'll be involved in the scheme, game-planning and coaching on the field.''

With so many lingering questions on a team that failed to make a splash last year, it could be another long season. The possibility of avoiding a 19th consecutive losing record is a long shot, unless Widenhofer's low key approach proves to be the key to erasing Vanderbilt's chronic problems.

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