As if the Vanderbilt Commodores didn’t already have a tough enough time playing in the SEC, things became worse in their 49-14 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks last weekend.

During the loss, Vandy sophomore running back Warren Norman suffered a dislocated right wrist, which will sideline him for the rest of the 2010 season.

Norman is currently leading Vanderbilt in rushing, carrying the ball 77 times for 459 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns so far this season.

However, sans Norman, the 2-6 Commodores now face an even more challenging road for the remainder of their first season under new head coach Robbie Caldwell.

And Vandy kicks off the final third of the season against the Florida Gators, who are coming off their biggest win of the season against the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Gators still control their own destiny in the SEC East race and with wins over Vanderbilt and the South Carolina Gamecocks, they’ll advance to Atlanta to play for the SEC title for a third consecutive season.

And to get there, Florida needs all the help they can get.

It’s unfortunate that the Commodores will not be at full strength in Nashville Saturday, but as far as the Gators are concerned, they aren’t complaining.