Star & Stripe

Naval Intelligence: Men's hoops puts together a winning streak

2009-02-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that we could have written a headline like this barely a week ago? Certainly not me. I was getting a bit depressed about the whole state of Vanderbilt basketball.

Looks like the 'Dores decided to turn things around.

ALABAMA 74, VANDERBILT 79

On Thursday, Vanderbilt hosted the Alabama Crimson Tide and ESPN2 in a nationally-televised bout that featured multiple lead changes and a come-from-behind victory for the good guys.

Vanderbilt was able to pull it out, 79-74, but it was not one of the Commodores' better performances.

"It wasn't a thing of beauty," said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. "We desperately needed a win."

Stallings' desperation comes from the Black and Gold's current SEC record: a paltry 2-5 record that advanced to 3-5.

And while it is probable that Stallings will not be letting up on his players with the Commodores sitting at .375 in conference play, there was a sense of relief in the coach after the win.

"I was proud of how our guys battled," Stallings said. "It was like last Saturday at Auburn, when we couldn't make free throws."

Twin, twenty-point performances by Jermaine Beal and A.J. Ogilvy combined to account for literally half of the Commodores' points (give or take a point), but the rest of the team struggled to make a difference offensively.

OLE MISS 61, VANDERBILT 71

Today, the Commodores won their third straight, beating a hot Ole Miss team on the strength of four men in Black and Gold scoring in double-digits.

It was a much more balanced performance by the Commodores. A.J. Ogilvy led the team with 17 points, while Jeff Taylor (14), Brad Tinsley (12), and Lance Goulbourne (11) added double figures as well.

Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings liked what he saw.

"Our guys came out with a sense of urgency," Stallings said. "We played better. Maybe we're starting to find our consistency."

With their third win in a row, the Commodores have now advanced to 4-5 in the SEC.

The Black and Gold next face archrival Tennessee in Knoxville, with a chance to go .500 in conference play.

Dores break 4-game losing streak, beat Auburn

2009-01-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

It was starting to get ugly.

The Commodores -- admittedly a very young team! -- have just seemed unable to get their heads screwed on straight of late.

First, a loss in Starkville. Then a loss to the Arnge Jacket at Memorial. A blowout loss to the Gators in Memorial. And a loss to the Gamecocks in Columbia.

Going into this afternoon's game against the Auburn Tigers, Vanderbilt hadn't won a men's basketball game in 17 days.

There wasn't much hope for change when going down to the Plains today, either. But somehow, the Commodores managed to pull away with a very close win.

Things were cooking at first, with the Black and Gold lighting it up with a 16-5 run on the Tigers. At the half, the Commodores led the Tigers by 4, with the difference coming from their points-off-the-bench. Vanderbilt's second-string contributed 10, while Auburn's backups added 5.

The Plainsmen came out of the break charging, basically keeping the score tied for almost 3 minutes. The Commodores again surged ahead, but outpaced the Tigers by less than 6 points.

With 7:34 left in the game, Auburn's Tay Waller put the Tigers ahead again with a clutch three-pointer.

The Commodores kept battling, though, and Brad Tinsley's go-ahead free throws gave the Men from West End a lead they'd never surrender.

Jermaine Beal led the Commodores with 21 points; A.J. Ogilvy and Jeff Taylor each added 14. Vanderbilt went 10-17 from three-point range, scoring 30 points from behind the arc.

With the win, the Black and Gold move to 13-8 and a still-disappointing 2-5 in SEC play. Their next game will be on February 5, back in the not-so-friendly-this-year confines of Memorial Gym against the Crimson Tide of Alabama.

Women's hoops breaks the Pat Summit curse, demolishes Lady Vawls

2009-01-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

A child who grows up in East Tennessee could be forgiven if he believes that everyone in the world cheers for the Volunteers from the University [sic] of Tennessee.

Unlike the childhood experiences of a young Alabamians, Mississippians, Georgians, etc., there has been only one, dominant Division I state school in the State of Tennessee.

And there's the rub: unlike the storied rivalries of Alabama and Auburn, Ole Miss and State, Georgia and Tech, Tennessee's nemesis stopped being a nemesis some 60 years ago, at least in every sport but basketball.

Yew Tee dominated the Commodores in football, and since this is the SEC, everyone perceived that dominance to be total when it comes to athletics.

But the Vawls have their own demons.

Prior to the advent of the current Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl, the Arnge had struggled in that sport. Besides football -- and the occasional baseball or swimming victories -- the SEC school in Knoxville was a one-trick pony.

Until Pat Summit.

One of -- if not the most -- winningest coaches in college basketball, Summit has built one of the top two programs in women's sports on the banks of the Tennessee River in the shadow of the Great Smokey Mountains.

So much has Summit's and Tennessee's success overshadowed the women's basketball world that the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame was constructed in Knoxville, largely as a result of that city being the home of the Lady Vawls.

For the Vanderbilt-Tennessee rivalry, which has so often been so lop-sided in football, the women's basketball contest has developed into a chance to really develop and stoke a true, hate-filled, in-state rivalry.

At least, that's the way that Vanderbilt has always seen it. Lately, though, that rivalry has been somewhat lacking.

Until today, no Commodore women's basketball team had defeated the hated Lady Vawls since Jim Foster's Commodores did it on February 2, 2002 in Nashville.

Since that win at Memorial Gym, the Black and Gold had lost 16 straight games to Pat Summit's powerhouse.

And that's why you'll have to excuse the emotion as the 24th-ranked Commodore women beat the seventh-ranked Yew Tee Lady Vawls, 74-58.

Powered by a 22-6 run and 53% accuracy in the second half, the Black and Gold took control of the game with eight minutes remaining, and they never really looked back.

There may have been some method behind the victory, as well.

"In preparing for this game, I did it differently than we've ever prepared for Tennessee before," said Vanderbilt head coach Melanie Balcomb. "I decided we would have some fun. We put Tennessee uniforms and headbands on the guys, played Rocky Top, and made the crowd noise so deafening that they couldn't hear each other on the court."

"I think it definitely worked," Balcomb added.

She wasn't the only one who thought so, either.

"Vanderbilt was the better team from tip off to the end," said Tennessee head coach Pat Summit.

Now that's a quote worth framing.

Naval Intelligence: Women's hoops face Tide on best start since '01

2009-01-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight, the no. 24 Vanderbilt women's basketball team (11-4) takes on the unranked Alabama Crimson Tide (12-3) at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. The game will nto be televised.

To date, the Commodores have played rather underwhelmingly, particularly in light of the fact that they were picked by the SEC coaches to win the conference regular season. They should have a good chance to take the first step in that quest tonight, as they face an Alabama team that's having its best start since 2000-01.

There's some fuzzy math behind the good start, however, when one takes a look at the three teams who have beaten the Lady Tide: Samford, Louisville, and MTSU.

Men's hoops get started in Lexington this Saturday, but for now, here's what's making news in Commodore Country:

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Jessica Mooney and the rest of the Commodores will take on a streaking Alabama Crimson Tide team that is off to its best start since 2001.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

Christopher Walsh previews the game for the partisans down in Tuscaloosa (and he says Tide fans are all smiles).

Tim Gayle also has a preview (and fortunately, he also has a bit more critical analysis than Mr. Walsh).

The Baton Rouge, La. Advocate previews the SEC (they've got a great conference-wide summary for those of us who've been too consumed with post-season football (!) to pay attention to women's hoops).

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Maurice Patton puts out his Jamie Graham piece in an echo of a piece you read yesterday from a certain daily alternative newspaper (when will the City Paper decide to emerge as the next Banner?).

Mike Rose pics VU no. 5 in the SEC in his weekly power poll (putting us behind Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Yew Tee).

The Red Solo Cup Guy picks us for no. 6 in the conference in his poll (and he sees Yew Tee, Arkansas, Florida, LSU, and Kentucky ahead of us).

Gamecock Man ranks the SEC and gives the Dores the no. 7 spot (behind Yew Tee, Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, and LSU -- really?).

John Gasaway ranks the nations Top 25 freshmen college basketball players and guess who's at no. 21? (If you guessed Jeff Taylor, you'd be right).

Chip Cirillio has a great piece on Jan van Breda Kolff, the former VU standout player (SEC Player of the Year 1974) and coach (1994-99) who's now running camps out of a sports facility in Cool Springs.

FOOTBALL

Eric Avidon has the details on BC firing their head coach only 8 days after losing to the mighty Vanderbilt Commodores in the Music City Bowl (you know, it'll be nice when people can lose to us and not go headhunting -- sigh).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes talks about Jagodzinkski's firing as well at MV.

Dimon is also celebrating Georgia's loss of Stafford and Moreno, citing our 2006 win in Athens as proof that transitional UGA offenses are vulnerable to Commodore attack (I wonder if that was the situation in 1994, too?).

David Mayo celebrates the bowl win with a nice shout-out.

Naval Intelligence: Men's hoops dominates UMass, women fall to Iowa State

2009-01-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

As everyone in Commodore Country continues to bask in the gleam of the Music City Bowl trophy, it's hard to recall that basketball season is well underway, with SEC play set to commence tomorrow night for the women and this Saturday for the men.

At the same time, it's easy to understand why the Black and Gold Faithful are letting this one linger a little bit -- after all, it's not every day that you get to see something that hasn't happened in fifty-three years.

With that said, it's time to change gears, and after a bowl-related siesta, S&S is back to bring you the 2009 edition of Memorial Magic.

So here's what's making news in Commodore Country:

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Vanderbilt defeated UMass in Amherst, 78-48.AP Photo.

The Tennessean has the AP report on the men's win, since apparently all their focus was on the hometown team's bowl game (not that I'm complaining).

Marty Dobrow calls the display "offensive" in a great Boston Globe headline pun (get it? display truly offensive?).

Rich Thompson has the other UMass take on the game for the Boston Herald (ah yes -- remember the days when Nashville also had two dailies? I miss the Banner every time I pick up the Tennessean).

Kerri Flemming offers another examination of UMass' poor offensive production against the Dores.

David Boclair talks about Jamie Graham's transition from football to basketball (with a funny quote from K-Stalls about "patient hats").

John Pennington has compiled each SEC team's RPI rankings, and there's no SEC team in the Top 20 (dear ol' VU is an abyssmal 76, putting us at no. 5 in the conference and only one point behind Kentucky).

Stanimal is not pleased that no one is paying attention to our 11-3 Commodores (he also points out that our defense is no. 4 in the nation in opponents' field-goal percentage (wow!).

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The no. 20 Vanderbilt Commodores lost to Iowa State in Ames, 51-55.AP Photo.

Iowa State celebrates its win over the then-no. 20 women by watching game tape from last year (hard to believe our women started out as a Top 10 team).

The women fell to no. 24 in the AP Poll (don't the low-20s seem like their permanent position in the poll? c'mon, ladies: I know you're better than that).

Bobby La Gesse recaps the Dores' loss in Iowa. Twice (I'm confused why this game needed to articles, really).

FOOTBALL

David Boclair liked what he saw from Larry Smith in the redshirt freshman's first collegiate start (in the biggest game for VU in 50 years -- yeah, I'm impressed, too).

David Moorman sees the SEC's silver lining to bowl season despite 'Bama's embarassing loss (surprise, surprise: he was suprised by VU's win).

Ed Grief's very first in-person bowl game was VU's win over Boston College in the Music City Bowl (he's the sports editor of the Crossville, Tenn. newspaper).

David Rutz calls Upson and Hahnfeldt unlikely heroes in his story on the special teams' leaders in the Hustler.

David Fox says our bowl win wasn't a thing of beauty, and it's hard to argue with him about that (but I'll take an ugly win over a beautiful loss any day).

Mary Beth Gunn also got to go to her first bowl game with the Commodores' trip to LP Field (she works for the Shelbyville, Tenn. newspaper).

WKRN chronicles downtown merchants' bellyaching that quickly turned to glee when victorious Vanderbilt fans made up for the lack of attendees with uber-celebration after the win (play the video: the fist-pumping guy is hilarious).

Don Yates has five thoughts about VU's 2009 football season (already!).

David Shochat grades the Commodores' bowl win with a somewhat-mediocre 3.21 (B+) average (the big drag? offensive line and coaching -- mainly offensive coordinator Ted Cain -- hard to argue that, isn't it).

Maurice Patton also has a GPA for the Black and Gold effort: 3.25 (B+) average.

Mike Kranzler puts the 2008 season into perspective with analysis on these Dores' lasting legacy (sort of like our coverage here on S&S).

David Shochat has a recap of D.J. Moore's career at VU since DJ is headed to the NFL.

John Pennington explains why the SEC won its New Year's Eve bowl games and it comes down to one thing: coaching (great props to BoJo).

Maurice Patton analyzes Vanderbilt's 2009 recruiting class and argues that Rivals' no. 67-ranking doesn't necessarily tell us how much this team will impact the Commodores on-the-field product (after all, I'm sure Auburn's recruiting class -- the one's we beat this year -- were a lot better than ours).

More on recruiting from Doug James at VSL.

Maurice also tells us about BoJo's effort to make a winning season into a winning culture (let's hope he succeeds!).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes already has his 2009 predictions up, making us here at S&S feel winded since we haven't posted our 2008 predictions yet.

After his despair toward the end of the season, PhilipVU94 jubilantly posts after the big win.

Fifty-three years in the making: Vanderbilt beats Boston College in the Music City Bowl

2009-01-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

For the first time since 1955, and for only the second time in the 118 years of intercollegiate varsity football at Vanderbilt University, the Vanderbilt Commodores are bowl champions after beating the Boston College Eagles 16-14 in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl in Nashville.

And the game could not have been more emblematic of this roller-coaster season to remember.

Larry Smith made his first collegiate start in Vanderbilt's bowl game against Boston College. Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

The Commodores started with a strong showing, with redshirt-freshman Larry Smith getting his first collegiate start and moving what had become a moribund Vanderbilt offense down the field with relative ease.

The offense's early-game success was marred, however, by an inability to score touchdowns -- which turned out to be foreshadowing of how the rest of the game would develop.

The defense came out strong as well, holding Boston College scoreless until a touchdown late in the second quarter.

As 54,250 iced-but-loud fans (52,250 of which were wearing Black-and-Gold) looked on and shivered, the Commodore offense slowly seemed to seek parity with the outdoor temperature. Despite their red-hot start, the Men from West End hit a brick wall in the second quarter.

Boston College's seventh-ranked defense swarmed around Vanderbilt as they attempted to get a running game started, and three-and-outs plagued the home team.

At halftime, there was a distinct mood of unease amongst the Commodore faithful as a gnawing sense of inevitable collapse loomed throughout LP Field.

They'd seen this game before. They knew how this story ended. Vanderbilt would fight the good fight, valiantly strive and put on a good show, but victory would remain just out of reach. The devastating feeling of utter failure would return for the twenty-seventh consecutive season.

The Commodores, with all their alumni and fans, would be losers, once again.

* * *

It wasn't until a surreal special teams play, orchestrated by bowl MVP Brett Upson, that Vanderbilt scored a touchdown to take the lead, 13-7.

The play developed on a punt by Upson, who used one of his signature rugby-style kicks to send the ball sailing toward the north endzone of LP Field.

There, it grazed the thigh of a Boston College player, who apparently didn't notice that he had come into contact with it. A host of alert Commodores did see the contact, and ultimately freshman Sean Davidson fell on the football in the endzone to score Vanderbilt's only touchdown of the game.

The defense continued to fight, but they were starting to tire. Having already lost All-SEC defensive back D.J. Moore, the Commodores struggled to stop the Eagles as the visitors tried to answer Vanderbilt's score.

At midfield, Boston College quarterback Dominique Davis finally connected with receiver Colin Larmond, Jr., and the freshman burned Vanderbilt's Myron Lewis for a BC touchdown toward the end of the third quarter.

As it happened, a great groan went up at LP Field. Somewhere, Dan McGugin rolled over in his grave. Dr. William Dudley did, too. And every Vanderbilt man and woman in attendance knew that the Commodore Curse had struck again.

Everyone, that is, except the Commodores themselves. Just as they did against Ole Miss, against Auburn, and all season long, they looked at the scoreboard and went back to work.

Bryant Hahnfeldt's third-quarter field goal put Vanderbilt ahead, 16-14. Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

It would take a face-mask penalty and a phantom roughing-the-passer penalty (perpetrated against Mackenzi Adams, no less, in his only play of the game), to do it, but Vanderbilt went 45 yards to field goal range.

Then Bryant Hahnfeldt calmly and confidently walked onto the field to kick the winning field goal. And it went straight down the middle, giving Vanderbilt a 16-14 lead.

* * *

Boston College had the ball once more, with less than two minutes in the game. Everyone in the stadium was holding their breath. On their second play of the series, BC quarterback Davis went to throw another pass to Colin Larmond -- the same play with which the Eagles had scored their last touchdown. The same play during which Larmond burned Myron Lewis for the 20-yard score.

But Myron Lewis wasn't going to be burned a second time.

In an instant of time barely perceptible to human senses, Lewis stepped in front of Larmond, intercepted Davis' pass, took just enough time to keep both feet on the ground and in-bounds, and then fell out of bounds.

In that moment, no longer than a heartbeat, the entire stadium was silent.

Looking back in one's mind's eye, it is easy to hold that moment, like a still photograph, and examine it. There was the offense, unsure whether the defense would hold and terrified that the outcome of the game would fall to them -- and that they would fall short of victory.

There were the special teams players, proud of their achievements, but powerless to do anything with so little time remaining.

There was Bobby Johnson, huddled for warmth inside a black, insulated coat emblazoned with the Star-V logo that he had brought back to the Commodore sidelines from the deep dreams of Vanderbilt glories-past -- the man upon whom the weight of the world had rested since coming to the helm of a ship that was not only decrepit, but half-sinking when he arrived.

There were the fans and the alumni. For an entire generation, nothing like this had ever happened in their lifetime: no Vanderbilt team had been to a bowl game since 1982 (a fact which they all know by heart). For their forefathers and -mothers, none had known a post-season victory in their generation's memory, save those few who were alive and able to understand the Commodores' triumph over Auburn in 1955.

And there was Myron Lewis. Holding the ball after staying in-bounds just long enough to register possession, tip-toeing his way into everlasting fame and Vanderbilt legend.

The silence lasted for the smallest of moments.

And then cacophony.

Chaos.

Eruption.

Mind-searing jubilation.

It may be possible in the hindsight of history, perhaps five to ten years down the road, to understand the implications of what took place along the icy banks of the Cumberland River that night.

But in that moment, for 118,000 living Vanderbilt alumni -- almost half of whom made the pilgrimage back to Nashville to see what for many was something they had almost given up hope would occur in their lifetime -- there was absolution. There was release.

As Larry Smith took the Commodores back onto the field and into victory formation, the Vanderbilt family around the world embraced one another in their hearts and exorcised fifty years of hell.

* * *

Coach Bobby Johnson and the 2008 football team captains triumphantly hoist the Music City Bowl trophy after defeating Boston College, Dec. 30, 2008. Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

The future remains bright for the Vanderbilt football program. Bobby Johnson is firmly ensconced as the commander of the Commodores' ship, and the Black and Gold lose only a handful of starters from this historic team.

And certainly the gleam off the black-onyx Music City Bowl trophy and the dazzle of the post-game victory fireworks will help this season shine in the hearts of Vanderbilt faithful everywhere.

Around Commodore Country, there is little doubt: the Return began December 31, 2008. It was fifty-three years in the making, but the Vanderbilt Commodores are champions once again.

The day of reckoning

2008-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

Today, the Vanderbilt Commodores will play in their first bowl game since 1982. They take on a Boston College team that has won its last eight bowl games. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, has not won in the post-season since 1955. That's exactly -- to the day -- fifty-three years.

This has been a season of firsts for the Black and Gold. Perhaps today will see not a first, but a second: if Vanderbilt wins, their all-time bowl record will move from 1-1-1 to 2-1-1.

And 0.625 is a lot better than 0.500 any day.

SEC accolades: BoJo, Moore, Benoist & freshmen recognized

2008-12-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

The SEC coaches voted to name Vanderbilt's head coach, Bobby Johnson, the SEC's Coach of the Year, in a 3-way tie with Alabama's Nick Saban and Mississippi's Houston Nutt. Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

The 2008 football regular season has come to a close in the SEC, and Vanderbilt's head coach Bobby Johnson has been named coach of the year by his fellow SEC head coaches, joining Alabama's Nick Saban and Ole Miss' Houston Nutt in a three-way tie.

Johnson's statement upon winning the award reflected his usual class-act: "More than anything, this is tremendous recognition for our program," he said.

"Of course, I'm pleased to share this award knowing the caliber of coaching that takes place in the Southeastern Conference. I really want to thank our players and coaches. This award goes to them as much as it goes to me. I'm just extremely proud of our entire coaching staff and all of our players," Johnson said.

BoJo became only the fourth head Commodore to receive the football award, and he was the first since his predecessor George McIntyre, who received it in 1982 -- the last time the Commodores posted a winning record and earned a trip to the post-season.

Johnson wasn't the only man in Black and Gold receiving SEC recognition this year, however.

Both the SEC coaches and the SEC sportswriters named D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt's junior starting cornerback, to the First Team All-SEC and his teammate Patrick Benoist, one of the Commodores' junior linebackers, to Second Team All-SEC.

The coaches also named four Commodores to the All-SEC freshmen team: tied end Branden Barden, offensive lineman Kyle Fischer, defensive lineman T.J. Greenstone, and, in a unanimous selection by all 12 coaches, line backer Chris Marve.

Marve's unanimous selection was the Commodores' first since Kwane Doster, the SEC's 2002 Freshman of the Year.

Vanderbilt tied for third among SEC teams for most freshmen recognized, finishing ahead of Auburn, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and LSU. Both Alabama and Florida had the same number of freshmen listed.

Deadline for bowl tickets: today at 4 pm central

2008-12-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the deadline for Commodore fans to purchase Music City Bowl tickets from the VU allotment.

If you haven't gotten your Music City Bowl tickets to watch the Commodores take on the Eagles of Boston College, today, Wed., Dec. 10, is the deadline.

The Vanderbilt Athletics ticket office generally closes around 4 p.m. (central time), and you can expect that there will be a significant delay at ordering by telephone (if you want to try, the number is 615-322-GOLD or 1-877-44-VANDY).

You do have other options:

• The Bowl Bandwagon website has a webpage where you can order tickets online, but you must either create an account or use an existing account to do so;

• You can travel to the Ticket Office, located in McGugin Center (across from the southern endzone at Vanderbilt Stadium) in person (the address is 2601 Jess Neely Drive, 37212); or

• You can fax a request, with your name, address, telephone, email, and relevant credit card information, to the Ticket Office faxline at 615-343-9985.

Music City Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Boston College

2008-12-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today, the Vanderbilt Commodores accepted an invitation to take on the ACC's Boston College Eagles in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. central time on Nashville's L.P. Field.

It is Vanderbilt's first bowl trip in twenty-six years, when the Commodores lost the Hall of Fame Bowl to the Air Force Academy, 28-36.

Vanderbilt is 1-1-1 all time in the post-season, with a 25-13 win over Auburn University (1955 Gator Bowl); a 6-6 tie with Texas Tech (1974 Peach Bowl); and the loss to Air Force in 1982.

The deadline to purchase tickets for the Music City Bowl is ~~December 12~~ December 10.

Naval Intelligence: Men's and women's hoops lose to end bad week for Vanderbilt

2008-12-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

I agree, Coach. It does look like a train wreck. Care to do something about it?Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

It's been an ugly week in Vanderbilt sports.

It all started with the football Commodores' absolutely atrocious performance against the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest to end their season at a sour-taste-leaving 6-6 (4-4). It continued with men's basketball losing -- at Memorial! -- to Illinois-Chicago by a lop-sided 55-74.

And now it's finally come to an end with both the men's and women's basketball teams losing on the same day: the men, at Georgia Tech, 51-63, and the women at California-Riverside, 47-50.

Someone take a memo: Vanderbilt should avoid all games played the week after Thanksgiving.

No one would have blamed many Commodores fans for flipping the television over the SEC Championship Game to watch the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide battle for conference supremacy in the Georgia Dome a little early after watching the Black and Gold take on the Yellow Jackets down the street.

And certainly, CBS outdid itself with the pregame set-up video. Invoking the ghosts of championships past, including both Bear Bryant and the Ol' Ball Coach, CBS pitched the game as a clash between two of the SEC's traditional powerhouses. And, for once, the game lived up to the billing.

As a Commodore fan, it was nice to see that even Alabama's vaunted defense couldn't stop the juggernaut of the Florida Gators (who manhandled the Commodores 12-42 back in November in Nashville).

I was also grateful we didn't have to play Alabama this year (Lord only knows what the score would have been with our anemic offense against their amazing defense).

At the same time, it was tough to see Alabama's magical season come to an end. The Crimson Tide have exorcised several demons with this year's season, and one can't help but believe that next year, they're going to be back with a vengeance (and at the very least, they're assured of a great chance at opening up a new streak in the Iron Bowl, as Auburn welcomes a new head coach).

It was not a good year to be an SEC head coach, either. Track the ax:

• Auburn fired Tuberville
• Mississippi State "resigned" Croom
• Tennessee fired Fulmer

Meanwhile, Mark Richt at Georgia and Les Miles at LSU are both facing restless fan bases dissatisfied with what they see as disaster seasons (I'll tell you what, Georgia fans: I'll take a 9-3 season every single year over the traditional Vanderbilt 2-10 business).

With the firings come the speculation on hirings. We know, of course, that Yew Tee has chosen 33-year old Lane Kiffin, who coached 20 games for the NFL's Oakland Raiders before being fired, as its new head football coach. His prior experience also includes a short stint as offensive coordinator for the University of Southern California.

Any bets on how long he'll last on Rocky Top? I'd wager he'll coach about as many Vawls' games as he did Raiders' games.

Vanderbilt men lose to Illinois-Chicago, 55-74

2008-12-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

A.J. Ogilvy had 14 points in the loss to UIC.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

I usually enjoy being proven right when it comes to Vanderbilt sports.

After all, I do try to spend some time analyzing the teams, statistics, and intangibles when I write for S&S, and being proven right vindicates my methods.

But I do not enjoy the fact that I apparently predicted something like this for our men's basketball team, who lost to Illinois-Chicago 55-74.

No, you did not read that score incorrectly. And no, the game was not in the Windy City. It was at Memorial Gymnasium, which must have been suffering from some sort of post-bowl-eligiblity hangover (because there was zero Memorial Magic when the Black and Gold came out onto Ingram Court last night).

The loss was ugly for Vanderbilt, who only led the Flames once during the entire contest, only three minutes into the first half.

The rest of the game it was all UIC, all the time, as the Flames shot more than 63% beyond the arc. The Commodores had no answer for the Flames' two point guards, who combined for 53 of Chicago's 74 points (meaning that two of Chicago's players had almost as many points as the entire Vanderbilt men's basketball team were able to muster).

Vanderbilt drops to 5-2 on the young season, but both losses have come on Ingram Court (and both to teams hailing from the Land of Lincoln State).

This Saturday, the Commodores face a difficult road game against the Rambling Wreck of Georgia Tech with a 1:00 p.m. (central) tip-off in Atlanta.

Men's hoops wins Cancun tournament

2008-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Jermaine Beal drives against Central Arkansas, the Commodores' first win en route to their Cancun Challenge championship.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

The Vanderbilt men's basketball team defeated Central Arkansas, Drake University, and Virginia Commonwealth University en route to the Cancun Challenge basketball tournament championship.

With the wins, the Commodores move to 5-1 on the season.

After a brief respite, the men return to action on Wednesday night within the friendly confines of Memorial Gym, as they host the Flames of the University of Illinois at Chicago. [Insert inappropriate joke here].

The big game is this Saturday, right before the SEC Championship (football) game, against the Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech (who're helluva engineers) right down the street from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The Yellow Jackets enter the game with a 4-1 record, and their one loss came against Penn State by two points.

We'll see how the Commodores handle only their second "real" challenge of the young season (with the other being Illinois -- the Illini, not the Flames [insert another joke]).

First, however, the Black and Gold will need to take care of business on Wednesday.

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Fourteen

2008-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

What a unpredictable season this has been. Alabama is back (somewhere, the Bear is saying "Act like you've been there before"). Florida is also, apparently, back. And Houston Nutt has been vindicated (take that Arkansas). Here's our second-to-last rankings, based upon current records:

1. Alabama 11-0 (7-0)

The time has come, 'Bama: it's the Iron Bowl, and you've got your best chance to beat the War-Eagling Tigers in six years. Don't blow it by looking ahead to the SEC Championship. Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Florida 10-1 (7-1)

It's hard to justify why I keep Florida at number two with their ridiculous offensive output. It's also hard not to see the mid-90s Spurrier-Gators when you look at the final scores from the Gators' games this year. But they're stuck at no. 2 unless and until they can beat the Tide on the field. This week, it's an opportunity to kick a Bowden while he's down and call it a "rivalry" game. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Georgia 9-3 (6-2)

What an ugly way to finish, Dawgs. I sort of thought you gents would have this one in the bag. The ACC did well against the Nation's Most Amazingly Dominant Football Conference Ever this week. We'd better get our act together next year, or they'll start getting uppity over there on the coast. Is next season a must-win-SEC-championship year for Coach Richt? Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. Ole Miss 8-4 (5-3)

Well Hotty Toddy, y'all. Ole Miss just wrapped up runner-up in the West. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Not in Nutt's first year in the Grove. Of course, now that he's raised their expectations, the Rebs will be looking for a national championship in year 3 (if not next year). Calm down, Mississippians: appreciate going to a bowl before you start order those commemorative national championship DVDs. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. Vanderbilt 6-6 (4-4)

First five games: this is your offense. Next four games: this is your offense on drugs. Kentucky game: this is your offense when God Almighty smiles upon you and your fanbase to end decades of suffering and sorrow. Last two games: this is your offense after you go through 3 quarterbacks to one who's literally never played a snap in college competition. Any questions? (Also, for the record: VU goes into the number 5 spot due to SEC tie-breaking rules, God love 'em). Last week: no. 6 (+1).

6. South Carolina 7-5 (4-4)

A better record than the Dores doesn't count when your conference record is tied. The first tie-breaker is head-to-head result. Along with the Commodores and the Dawgs, helped the ACC look good. Where will the Cocks go bowling? Last week: no. 5 (-1).

7. LSU 7-5 (3-5)

My, how the mighty have fallen. I warned the Tigers to watch out for ol' Arky -- turns out they didn't listen. Last week: no. 7 (same).

8. Tennessee 5-7 (3-5)

How in the world did Phil Fulmer put together his little season-ending streak after losing to Wyoming?! I really despise the "University" of Tennessee. A whole heap. Last week: no. 11 (+3).

9. Kentcuky 6-6 (2-6)

I only take solace in Vanderbilt's second-half-of-the-season collapse because at least we did manage one more win before the end. Kentucky, on the other hand, is a miracle of scheduling. Only two SEC wins -- the same as the worst team in the league -- and the Cats are bowl eligible. Well done, Mr. Brooks. Well done. Last week: no. 8 (-1).

10. Arkansas 5-7 (2-6)

The Hawgs sure looked impressive against LSU. Where was all that in the first part of the season? Last week: no. 12 (+2).

11. Auburn 5-7 (2-6)

Those SEC tiebreaker rules sure are annoying, aren't they Tigers? I don't think losing Tubbs is a good idea. But then, again, I've never had delusions of grandeur (must be something in the water down in the Yellowhammer State). Last week: no. 9 (-2).

12. Mississippi State 4-8 (2-6)

I hate to see ol' Croom go. He's a good man. And I hardly think that three losing seasons and 1 bowl trip are reason to fire a coach. But, see no. 11: my delusions of grandeur (with regard to the Commodores) including going to a bowl game each year. Period. Last week: no. 10 (-2).

Post-Wake reaction

2008-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Larry Smith led the Commodores in the second half, after Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams were plagued with injuries.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

I went to the Wake Forest game. That's how dedicated to this University your authors are. I sat in the 36-degree, 20 m.p.h. wind, steady cold-rain to watch our Commodores stumble before about twelve-fourteen thousand at BB&T Field.

There was actually a good Commodore contingent in Winston-Salem, and the team came out enthusiastic. Indeed, this time, the Commodores can't use the "we came out flat" reaction to the loss.

The game quickly denigrated into a very, very ugly performance by both teams. Turnovers abounded, and Vanderbilt ended up going through 3 quarterbacks.

Honestly, for much of the game, it felt as though Vanderbilt was winning. The Wake crowd was restless most of the time, even when they led the game. It wasn't until the late touchdown in the second half that the game truly went out of reach.

On the bright side, the fact that Larry Smith came in and led the Commodores on a drive should console the Vanderfaithful somewhat -- after all, (unlike against, say, Florida) Wake kept its starters in because the game was still in doubt.

At the same time, the Black and Gold Faithful should not look forward to the bowl game (whichever one we go to) with much hope for winning it. At least, not if we cannot figure out how to mount some offense with the limited tools at our disposal right now.

This season has shown progress: we are going to the post-season. But goodness, that progress is ever so slight. And as one person put it to me recently: "Vanderbilt's post-season was secured when Chris Marve stripped the Ole Miss running back in the fourth quarter in Oxford."

With the Commodores sitting at 6-6, I have to agree.

Naval Intelligence: Men's hoops beat Cent. Ark., pundits pick Wake Forest to win at home

2008-11-28T11:52:00.001-08:00

Mackezni Adams is back under center against Wake Forest romorrow.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

I am stuffed. I do it every year: I get really, really full after one plate of Thanksgiving food, and then I don't have room for pumpkin pie or other dessert.

But enough about my Thanksgiving habits. We've got a football game tomorrow.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

Jeffery Stewart and his buddy Randy both pick Wake Forest, one by 7 and one by 3.

Maurice Patton chronicles Wake's and Vandy's similarities in their similar development (which begs the question: if Vandy were in the ACC, would we have won the conference championship by now?).

Glenn Guilbeau ranks the 'Dores no. 7 and thinks Wake will win (he also has an annoying quote from Phil Fulmer: "We're still Tennessee" -- yes you are, coach, and that's why your players are still going to jail).

Nik Rodewald has posted his Commodore keys to the game (he says: don't lose, good quarterback, and Jeff Jennings can't drop the ball).

Speaking of Jeff Jennings, Maurice Patton has a story about his return to starting tailback (he gracefully doesn't mention that it's only by default that Jeff gets the start).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes tell us for whom we should root this weekend (to make sure we get our best bowl).

Cocknfire gets a bit more hateful in calling us mediocre (he also picks Wake to win).

Pete Fox picks Wake by 7 (urging that SOV has returned again).

Pick'em Tally: Vanderbilt to win, 0; Wake Forest to win, 5.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Maurice also says that the men's team can't guard its leads (although, they did just fine against MTSU and Central Arky).

David Rutz recaps the Central Arkansas win briefly (and cautions us about the game against Drake).

Naval Intelligence: Thanksgiving for bowl eligibility, men's basketball beats MTSU

2008-11-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

In last year's season-ending game, the Commodores started poorly against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. After their "flat" start against Tennessee, Commodore fans are hoping that the Men from West End have any letdown out of their collective system.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and sundry from all of us here at S&S.

Though I am distinctly not thankful for this past Saturday's train wreck on Dudley Field, I cannot help but be grateful to everyone involved in bringing Vanderbilt to bowl eligibility this year. No matter what happens the rest of this season, we have made progress.

Here's what's making news in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

Chris Low pics Wake, 14-21 (saying that our season-ending collapse will be worse than their season-ending collapse).

Chris talks about Mac Adams' return to starter at quarterback (and the question deserves asking: why can't Mac and Chris both play? We could always put Larry in as backup if something happens).

Chris ranks the 'Dores no. 7, citing our anemic offense.

Chris says our game against Yew Tee should have come with a "parental advisory suggested" notice, since the quarterback play was so awful (I agree).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes calls Vanderfans out for their moaning about the loss to Yew Tee (reminding us to think about where we thought we'd be at this point way back in August -- you know, when we were underdogs to Miami of Ohio).

Dimon concludes that the Commodores are actually vampires, well, not really, but he does have an analysis of this weird we-can't-win-games-in-the-daytime phenomenon (which, of course, bodes well for our game against Wake!).

PhilipVU94 gets cynical again after the loss to Yew Tee (c'mon, Philip, hang in there: we're still going bowling).

Stanimal says it well: losing to Yew Tee ever is tough, but losing when you're favored for the first time in forever is even tougher (I hate Yew Tee).

On the bright side, we'll earn $1.1 million for playing in a bowl (but apparently, that will just cover our expenses).

Maurice Patton outlines the Dores' post-Wake, pre-bowl practice plans (and also picks up on Dimon's night-game thing).

David Boclair writes about Jeff Jennings, the player who I struggled to say nice things about (he's a great guy, but goodness, it seems every time he touches the ball, we either gain nothing or he drops it).

T. Kyle King picks Wake (despite saying nice things about VU).

Maurice quotes our players who don't want to finish even (and you know, I'd like to have a winning season, too).

David Boclair gives us the bad news: Jared Hawkins is out for the rest of the year (does this mean he might be back for the bowl?).

Maurice says our players thought they came out flat and I still don't know what "flat" means (emotionless, maybe?).

Jesus Quintana reevaluates our bowl projection after the Yew Tee loss (calling it "Homecoming, part deux" -- let's hope not).

Jesus also wishes you a happy thanksgiving (with a rather disturbing picture).

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Maurice recaps the MTSU win, crediting our height and physical play with the win (and boy, was it physical: those MTSU kids looked like they were playing street ball).

Maurice also credits Commodore foul-shooting with the win (like we would have had if we'd made our free throws against Illinois).

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The Hustler recaps the women's first loss in their road-trip to Ann Arbor (talk about a low-scoring game: 42-50? sounds more like a Big 12 football score).

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Thirteen

2008-11-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

So much for the season winding down (like I thought last week). Movement all over the place this week. Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 11-0 (7-0)

The time has come, 'Bama: it's the Iron Bowl, and you've got your best chance to beat the War-Eagling Tigers in six years. Don't blow it by looking ahead to the SEC Championship. Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Florida 10-1 (6-1)

It's hard to justify why I keep Florida at number two with their ridiculous offensive output. It's also hard not to see the mid-90s Spurrier-Gators when you look at the final scores from the Gators' games this year. But they're stuck at no. 2 unless and until they can beat the Tide on the field. This week, it's an opportunity to kick a Bowden while he's down and call it a "rivalry" game. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Georgia 9-2 (6-2)

This week, the Dawgs host their foes from Atlanta as the Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech (who're helluva engineers) roll into Athens. The Yellow Jackets have been decent this year, but they also play in the ACC. Dawgs win, and get a nice bowl. But still no SEC Championship. Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. Ole Miss 7-4 (4-3)

Well where the heck have the Rebels come from? All of a sudden, they're back in the Top 25 with a winning record in the SEC. If they take care of business in the Egg Bowl, they'll have eight wins -- and five in the SEC. I'm glad Vanderbilt played the Rebs at the beginning of the season instead of now. Otherwise, it'd be the Commodores getting the score ran up on them. Last week: no. 7 (+3).

5. South Carolina 7-4 (4-4)

The Ol' Ball Coach gets a chance to improve his team's bowl standing with a win against their hated in-state rival, Clemson. Fortunately for the Gamecocks, Clemson has checked out of the season since Mr. Bowden got fired. A rivalry win, and an 8-4 record. Not a bad season in Columbia. Last week: no. 6 (+1).

6. Vanderbilt 6-5 (4-4)

If this team could find some consistent offense, they'd have 9 wins (against Mississippi State, Duke, and Yew Tee). They get the slot above the Bayou Bengals because of their SEC performance (and the fact that LSU's non-conference schedule isn't as imrpessive as Vanderblit's -- Appy State, Troy, North Texas, and Tulane? Try Miami Ohio, Rice, Duke, and Wake). Who knows which team will show up in Winston-Salem this week? I sure don't. If it's the usual Commodore night-game/ESPN team, then pick the 'Dores by 10. If it's the day-time, Raycom team, Wake can name its score. Last week: no. 5 (-1).

7. LSU 7-4 (3-4)

I have no idea what in the world is going on in Baton Rouge, either. The defending national champions almost lose to Troy, and then get blown out by Ole Miss in their "Magnolia Bowl" rivalry game. What's the deal, people? Last week, I said that "Arky" would be an easy win for the Cajun Tigers. This week, I don't know if that's the case. Dores go ahead of LSU because of conference record. Last week: no. 4 (-3).

8. Kentucky 6-5 (2-5)

I think Kentucky will see Vanderbilt's flatness against Yew Tee and the Vawls' cockiness after beating Vanderbilt (no fruit sucks like puke Orange, after all), and go and get the job done in Knoxville. Big Blue has had a week off to rest up and prepare, and I'm sure that Rich Brooks had a critical eye on Raycom last week. At the same time, it is Fulmer Appreciation Day at Neyland Stadium, and emotions will be very high. The game is a toss-up. Last week: no. 8 (same).

9. Auburn 5-6 (2-5)

If Tuberville beats Bama again, he saves his job. It's that simple. He also gets to join the War-Eagling Nation in coming up with yet another cheesy t-shirt phrase about the number of wins they've racked up against Alabama. Sadly, though, don't think that's going to happen. Don't know if Tubs loses his job, but I think the Tide stops the streak in Tuscaloosa this week. Last week: no. 9 (same).

10. Mississippi State 4-7 (2-6)

I called this one last week: if you have a week to prepare for Coach Croom, you're going to get beat. Sadly, Ole Miss didn't have an open date before the Egg Bowl. They killed LSU in Baton Rouge, instead. Last week: no. 11 (+1).

11. Tennessee 4-7 (2-5)

I hate Yew Tee. Fervently. Last week: no. 12 (+1).

12. Arkansas 4-7 (1-6)

If at first you don't succeed (in getting the second SEC win), then try, try again. If Ole Miss can, then maybe you can, too! Plus, it's in Little Rock. Think Bill 'n Hill will come in for the game? Last week: no. 10 (-2).

Young men's hoops team will be great -- next year

2008-11-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

The Vanderbilt men's basketball team is young but talented, and this season will be one of both ups and downs for Commodore fans. Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

Though the Vanderbilt men's basketball team has already turned in 3 games on the season, posting a 2-1 mark thus far, I didn't want to write much about them until I had a chance to see them for myself.

I got that chance this past Monday night, when the Commodores hosted a team that I hate even more than Yew Tee: Middle Tennessee State.

(Why do I hate MTSU so much? Well, let's just recall that your author's very first Vanderbilt football game took place on Thursday, August 30, 2001. Enough said).

Vanderbilt won the game, 65-57, moving back to a winning record on the brand-new season. But in the win, I believe several key characteristics of the 2008-09 version of Memorial Magic showed through.

The Commodores seem much taller this year, but with that height comes a lot of youth. Vanderbilt seemed to come out in a very business-like attitude, with not very much emotion against a Division I team from just down the road (sounds like a lot of Vanderbilt sports from the past week, doesn't it?).

As the game progressed, MTSU showed a lot of scrap. Their players were very impressive, and it was easy for me to see how they were able to hang with the likes of Tennessee (to whom they lost 66-76 in Murfreesboro just last week).

I was impressed with A.J. Ogilvy as well. I remembered him being a bit more "gangly" last year, and he has matured both physically and mentally as the eldest leader of this quite young Commodore squad. Many times on the court, he was encouraging the younger players, particularly when they seemed hesitant with the ball.

That, too, was a different look out of a Vanderbilt basketball team: hesitancy.

For a team with one of college basketball's longest 3-point streaks, you'd never believe how terrified our freshmen seemed of shooting the ball from the outside. There were several possessions, particularly in the second half, when the ball would be passed back and forth between our freshmen, each one granted a wide-open look at the basket (and usually with only 8 or 10 left on the shot clock).

The ooh's and aah's coming from the Memorial crowd (which was 12,502 -- quite good for a weeknight, non-conference game) weren't so much from the impressive play on Ingram Court, but more from a sense of unsated potential as players whom we know can shoot seemed terror-stricken at the very thought of doing so.

MTSU is a good team, and they were definitely "up" for the game (as the Middle School tends to do against its in-state, elder brethren). The Black and Gold seemed just as flat as the football team was on Dudley Field two days before (maybe it's Thanksgiving Break that's got everyone in the doldrums?).

The good news is that Vanderbilt did win a game it should have won, and it did so with a margin similar to an SEC East foe. The other good news is that our freshmen really are talented. Part of the reason that everyone at Memorial Gym on Monday kept waiting, with bated breath, for the freshmen to break out is because their potential is so obvious. These are very, very talented players, and I am extremely excited for the future.

The bad news, on the other hand, is that this is going to be a somewhat awkward season as we wait for these seventeen- and eighteen-year old college freshmen to grow into themselves and with each other.

We're not, by any measure, going to win the SEC East this year. And there will be a couple of ugly conference games, as well. It boils down to this: we'll have to bear with these young men as they mature this year, but we'll be well-rewarded over the next couple of years for doing so.

The Case Against Cain

2008-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

Despite seven years at the helm, Ted Cain's offense ranks 116th of 119 in the country. Photo by VU Commodores.

Vanderbilt has the worst offense in the Southeastern Conference. Averaging 266 yards per game before playing Tennessee (against whom they gained 213 yards), the Dores are 12th of 12. Auburn, who fired their offense coordinator after five games, gains 50 more yards per game.

In fact, among the 119 teams in Division I-A only three – 0-11 Washington, 2-10 Washington State, and 4-7 Central Florida – average fewer yards per game. We are 116th and behind everyone else: Temple, Florida International, MTSU, San Diego State, you name it. All of them.

The offense is bad and someone is to blame. And I blame our offensive coordinator Ted Cain. Others may choose to pile on Bobby J, and while he does bear ultimate responsibility, Bobby's background is on the defensive side. The defense has been great - it's the clear strength of this team and the reason we are heading to a bowl.

No, I think it’s Cain. While his experience increases, his unit’s production decreases. In fact, this marks the third year in a row that Vandy’s point production has regressed.

Jay Cutler Era
2002: 18.4 points per game
2003: 19.6 points per game
2004: 19.3 points per game
2005: 27.2 points per game

Chris Nickson Era
2006: 22.0 points per game
2007: 21.7 points per game
2008: 20.3 points per game

I thought Dave Neal had a telling comment during the Tennessee game when he remarked that Nickson looked far more uncomfortable than a fifth year senior should behind center. And that’s how I feel about the whole offense. We are worse than we should be. Under Jay there was poor production but some improvement – since Jay there seems to have been steady decline. Overall we are a stronger program with more NFL-caliber players, so why are we getting worse? Why was sophomore Nickson better than senior Nickson?

My answer to that question, and the reason I dislike Cain, is that our offense is unimaginative. We’re followers. It’s a difficult argument to express and an impossible one to quantify, but our offense just doesn’t seem sophisticated. It seems predictable. The true innovators and rebels – guys like Steve Spurrier, Mike Leach, Rich Rodriguez, Urban Meyer, Jeff Tedford, Gus Malzahn – are the ones creating formations and play and trends. We add the zone reads and jet sweeps after those plays have become common. For a bright school, we don’t play a particularly bright offense.

And the reason is that we lack a creative, young, hungry offensive coordinator. Ted Cain has been an OC since before many of our players were born. With 18 years experience coordinating offenses – separate from his disastrous 1-20 record as the VMI head coach – Cain is the most experienced OC in the SEC. And his offense generates the fewest yards. In order of total offense, with years as OC followed in parenthesis by years at current school.

Georgia - Mike Bobo - 2 (2)
Florida - Dan Mullen - 4 (4)
LSU - Gary Crowton - 14 (2); 2 more years in NFL
Ole Miss - Kent Austin - 1 (1); 4 more years in CFL
Alabama - Jim McElwain - 6 (1)
Arkansas - Paul Petrino - 6 (1)
Carolina - Stever Spurrier* - 17 (4); 2 more years in NFL
Auburn - Vacant (Tony Franklin fired)
Kentucky - Joker Phillips - 4 (4)
Miss State - Woody McCorbey - 4 (3)
Tennessee - Dave Clawson - 6 (1)
Vanderbilt - Ted Cain - 18 (7)

* South Carolina does not have a coach with the title ‘Offensive Coordinator’

Vanderbilt's offense was held to 25 yards in the first half against Tennessee. Photo by Tennessean.

Excluding Spurrier, the only coach close to Cain in experience is Gary Crowton from LSU. And Crowton spent two years as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, 7 years as the head coach at LA Tech and BYU, and won a national championship last year. Cain? 11 years at NC State, in which his best year by PPG was his first in 1986 (27.3). Then two years at VMI as head coach, going 1-20 and averaging 8 PPG in ’97 and 14 PPG in ’98.

Also, if you look at the table above, Cain is the longest tenured OC in the conference! To me, that’s where any excuses run out. He’s had three more years than anyone else to get his guys to run his system. But our best offense playmaker is actually a defensive player in DJ Moore. Our second or third best receiver, Jamie Graham, is another player taken from the defensive side. Despite seven years to build – which is a long tenure in modern college football – we fall below the level of mediocre on offense.

The offense is bad and I don’t see the solution coming from Cain. If the solution were to come from the inside, I would vote for Jimmy Kiser. First, the guy is Jay Cutler’s mentor. Anytime Jay discusses what he learned at Vandy and how he developed, the only coach he mentions is Kiser. There’s something to be said for that. Second, after Cain left NC State in 1996, Kiser took over as OC and the offense improved! Dramatically!

Ted Cain
1995: 23.6 points per game
1996: 24.4 points per game

Jimmy Kiser
1997: 29.5 points per game
1998: 28.6 points per game

Now, Cain had All-American Tory Holt as a freshman and sophomore while Kiser had him as a junior and senior. That surely explains some of the difference. But it’s hard to look at that and not think Kiser could be at least as good as Cain. Maybe better.

Vandy’s offense is a mess. We have won six, but we’ve lost three games (Miss. State, Duke, Tennessee) where even a mediocre offensive performance would have been the difference. Despite heading to a bowl game, it’s our worst offense in years and I think is being shepherded by an offensive coordinator whose best days and best ideas are behind him.

Bobby J has rebuilt Vandy and brought a winning spirit to West End. But in my opinion, taking the next step will involve an offense that can match the production and growth of the defense. And I have a hard time seeing that coming from Ted Cain.

Naval Intelligence: Friends don't let friends wear Orange

2008-11-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

Men's basketball suffered its first home loss in a long time, and Nashville bars are throwing out the welcome mat for the "usual" hordes of Arnge that descend upon our fair city during Yew Tee Hate Week.

The only difference, now, is that the "hordes" are a bit thin this year. Must have something to do with the cold, right?

Here's what's making news in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

The one hundred and third meeting between the Southeastern Conference's two Tennessean institutions will battle on Dudley Field in the SEC's fourth oldest rivalry. If the Commodores win, it will be the first time since 2005, when Jay Cutler led the Black and Gold to victory in Knoxville.

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes reports that VU is favored to beat the Vawls by 3 points (but he also notes that this game is in the daytime, where we're 0-3 -- of course, we were also 0-17 in sixth-win games 'til last Saturday, too).

Tony Barnhart picks VU to win, 17-14 (and he tells Clemson they'd be stupid not to hire BoJo).

Bryan Mullen explains why the Vandy-Yew Tee game means so much to Phil Fulmer (apparently he coached here for a whole year).

Chip Towers suggests the Vawls give VU their full attention this Saturday (I'd say that "Vanderbilt -3" probably already did that, Chip).

Great news from Maurice Patton today: both Jamie Graham and Alex Washington will be back for the Yew Tee game (and BoJo says he "ought to be shot" if he doesn't get D.J. Moore "over there" on offense).

Mike Organ explains why it wouldn't be good for us or for Nashville for Vanderbilt to go to the Music City Bowl (somebody needs to tell David Williams II, though).

Great, great article from Maurice about BoJo and his carrying our program to bowl eligibility (creative and expressive analogy, too, Maurice).

Mike Blackerby reports that Arian Foster will be back for the Vawls on offense tomorrow (uh oh).

David Boclair becomes the latest person to analyze our bowl chances (for my money, you can't beat S&S's own Mark -- and please, somebody give the man some peaches).

Michael DiRocco picks VU to win and brings back everyone's favorite Vanderstat year, 1982 (as in the last time we beat the Vawls in Nashville).

Wes Rucker sees the Vawls 'n 'Dores flip-flopping their traditional roles in tomorrow's game.

Pete Fox, the perennially negative prognosticator, decides not to let VU's sunshine drive his cloud away and picks Yew Tee to win by 10 (really? by 10? are we not going to score at all?).

David Rutz takes the student body on a tour of the possible bowls that Vanderbilt could attend in this week's edition of the Hustler.

David Shochat interviews D.J. Moore, and apparently our all-star player is something of a comedian (so is Brent Trice?).

Peter Letarte teaches the freshmen why this rivalry is so bitter in his Hustler piece (too bad all the freshmen are too busy having their collective heads up the Commons' butt to notice).

The student newspaper at Yew Tee, the Daily Beacon, previews the game, and it's clear that they sure are stretching to find something nice to say.

Mike Strange annoyingly goes on and on about the color fans wear at Vanderbilt Stadium as his lede to a preview of the game (and really, what a great season it is for the Vawls when that's the best they've got "our fans are numerically superior to your fans"?).

Chris Low gives us another enemy to despise in the Old Hickory Class/Big Bend Brawl: Coach George Cafego (just read the article, and you'll understand).

Jon Wilner picks VU to win.

Yew Tee blogger Hooper takes the Vawls, 17-27 (my boss also said there'd be a 10-point spread).

Cocknfire picks VU, 13-10 (I guess he sees a defensive struggle).

Bob Epling picks Vanderbilt to win.

Yew Tee fan Chris picks Vanderbilt, 14-13 (everybody's picking a low-scoring game except the other Yew Tee guy).

This blogger uses a gratuitous picture of VU danceline girls to pick Vanderbilt to win (and really, who doesn't need gratuitous danceline girl pictures every now and then?).

Dimon thinks there's a Senior Day curse at Vanderbilt (maybe it's more of an end-of-season-depletion-because-of-lack-of-depth curse?).

In line with his tally of this all year long, Dimon reports that VU v. Wake Forest will be on ESPNU at night (where Vanderbilt has had a lot of success).

Football Pick 'Em Tally: Vanderbilt to win, 7; Yew Tee to win, 2.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Illinois beat Vanderbilt's young squad 63-69 at Memorial Gym in Nashville.

Stanimal has a recap of the loss to Illinois, and it can be summed up in one word (youth).

David Climer would say that one word is "consistency" (but c'mon, Dave, that's just another way of saying youth).

Maurice keeps the theme going, saying that the "Young Commodores" can't finish off the Illini.

Jimmy Morris also chronicles the Commodores' defeat.

Andrew Barge notes the loss breaks a home wins streak that went all the way back to March 2007 (but oh well).

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The Commodores are traveling up to my old stomping grounds for a tilt in the Mini-Dome (a.k.a., Memorial Center) against the Lady Bucs of East Tennessee State University.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Peaches

2008-11-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it's happened. 'Next year' has come. It's done.

After 26 agonizing years, the Vanderbilt Commodores have won six games and are heading to a bowl. So which game will it be?

Let's start with the ground rules. There are nine bowl games partnered with the SEC and they pick in the following order:

Round 1: Sugar Bowl
Round 2: Citrus Bowl (aka Capital One)
Round 3: Cotton Bowl, Outback Bowl, Peach Bowl (aka Chic-fil-a)
Round 4: Liberty Bowl, Music City Bowl
Round 5: Independence Bowl
Round 6: PapaJohns.com Bowl

To figure where Vandy lands you have to start at the top and work your way down, round by round.

Barring upset losses to either Auburn or Florida State, the winner of Alabama vs Florida will be going to Miami to face (likely) the Big XII champion in the National Championship. That's a fact. If the winner is Florida, Alabama will be heading to the Sugar Bowl. That's close to being a fact.

If #1 Alabama pulls off the upset, though, all bets are off. It would be nice to think a two loss Florida team would still reach the Sugar Bowl, but there is quite a bit of competition for those BCS at-large spots. Things that would help guarantee Florida an at-large bid: USC winning the Pac-10 outright (currently, Oregon State owns the tiebreaker and the straight path to the Rose Bowl); undefeated Utah losing to BYU; and maybe Ohio State losing to Michigan.

If something screwy happens and Florida misses the BCS, they will go to the Citrus-y Capital One Bowl in Orlando and everyone else drops down a peg. For now, though, let's assume that both Florida and 'Bama reach the BCS (an outcome I'd probably tie an 80% probability to). That leaves Georgia - the clear #3 in the conference - for the Capital One.

The next three picks all happen roughly at the same time. The Cotton typically takes the best Western team available while the Outback takes the best of the East. Behind Alabama the next best Western is LSU - a thoroughly logical choice for the Cotton.

The Outback would represent Vandy's ceiling. Two wins and losses by Carolina and Ole Miss wouldn't guarantee a trip to Tampa, but it gives the Dores a very good chance. Even if Carolina beats Clemson, they would finish 8-4 (4-4) while winning-out Vandy would finish 8-4 (5-3) with a win over the Cocks. My bet is that Vandy loses to either Wake or the Vols though, and Carolina gets free Bloomin' Onions. Maybe 5% chance for Vandy.

The Peach is a reachable goal, and in my view, the real prize. Ole Miss or South Carolina would also be under consideration, but I would give Vandy a 20% chance here. If they win twice, they still might not reach the Outback but they would almost certainly reach the Peach. And they would draw very well in Atlanta.

Next up, the Liberty and Music City select at the exact same time. While there again would be some West/East preference, Vandy would be an attractive selection for either. Both bowls will rank their teams by preference, likely among Vandy, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. Kentucky would be a good choice for the Music City, however they have made the trip down I-65 in both 2007 and 2006. Ole Miss would be a very good choice for the Liberty, assuming they don't beat LSU and leapfrog to the Peach.

The appeal of the Music City for Vandy is obvious, but the Dores would have no trouble filling the Liberty Bowl. If a team is selected by both bowls, it is the school's decision. And which game would Vandy pick?

I personally hope it's not the Music City. Surely we've waited 26 years for something more interesting than playing Minnesota at LP Field. But I could see the Vandy administration choosing to stay at home. The pay-outs are roughly equivalent but after years of seeing half empty Vanderbilt Stadiums surely some insecurity creeps in (we haven't even sold out the UT game for Saturday!). I would say 35% Music City and 35% Liberty.

And then there's Shreveport. An Independence Bowl berth would likely only be in the cards if Vanderbilt loses both to the Vols and the Demon Deacons and Alabama beats Florida. I would give the Independence Bowl a 5% chance.

That leaves the Step-Grandson of them all, the PapaJohns.com Bowl at Legion Field. What do they even use Legion Field for nowadays? Hoover High games? If Auburn beats Alabama or Arkansas beats LSU they would gain eligibility and land here. I don't see it happening. Good spot for the Trojans of Troy.

So, in summary: 35% chance of Music City, 35% of Liberty, 20% of Peach, 5% of Outback, and 5% of Independence. Whatever happens in the next few weeks though, that adds up to 100% of a bowl game! And that's worth cheering about.

BCS: Florida
Sugar: Alabama
Capital One: Georgia
Cotton: LSU
Outback: South Carolina
Peach: Ole Miss
Liberty: Vanderbilt
Music City: Kentucky
Independence: None
PapaJohns.com: None

Naval Intelligence: Baseball recruits 'no. 2', men's hoops face Illinois

2008-11-20T14:39:00.001-08:00

There is a lot going on in in the Vanderworld today: the looming rivalry game against our hated arch-nemesis, Yew Tee; men's basketball hosts the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Gym tonight; women's basketball routed Eastern Kentucky; and the incoming baseball recruiting class was named the second-best in all of college baseball.

As always, we've got you covered here on S&S. Without further ado, here's what's happening in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

It will be the last time Bobby Johnson faces off against Phil Fulmer at this year's Old Hickory Classic/Big Bend Brawl in Nashville.

Jimmy Morris looks at the Commodores' desire to beat Yew Tee, and they see the possibility for "something special" if they can start things right agains the Vawls (can you imagine what a 9-4 record would even look like?).

Randy Moore says the Vawls players will honor Phil Fulmer with their own special way (I suppose Mr. Moore believes that will be wins against us and Big Blue).

The Mobile Press-Register gives us the stats on the Yew Tee game (does anyone else agree with me that we should do what Ole Miss and LSU did and get a name for our rivalry game?).

Maurice Patton says VU dares opponents to throw the ball because of their "gaudy" stats on defense (it should be noted that this is Maurice daring opponents, not the Commodores themselves).

Bryan Mullen makes my day with his headline: "UT's defense needs lift from offense to upset Vandy" (emphasis mine).

Bryan also says a win at VU would feel good for Yew Tee since they're not doing so hot right now (let's just hope that they're still too busy checking the message boards for the new coach to be paying attention to "little old Vandy").

Wes Rucker compares and contrasts D.J. Moore and Yew Tee's Eric Barry, who apparently is a lot like D.J. Moore (except that he hasn't won National Defensive Player of the Week twice this season (cough)like DJ has(/cough)).

Mark Wiedmer talks about Fulmer's VU connections, but doesn't get any Commodores to admit to hoping for a Yew Tee win (they are, after all, Commodores).

Kobi Ankumah has the details on Athletics' plans to help the Commodore Nation make it to our bowl game (that's right, OUR bowl game!).

David Namm reflects on the Commodores' new beginning in his Hustler opinion piece (that's fairly well-written).

Mike Kranzler gives a senior's perspective on VU's historic bowl eligibility in this bit from the Hustler.

Geoff Hutchinson ranks the SEC, putting VU at no. 5 and Florida at no. 1 (I still don't know how Alabama's offense is going to match up against Florida's defense).

Loss in the Vawls' struggles this year is this little golden nugget: Yew Tee still hasn't won a road game this year (let's hope it doesn't start in Nashville).

Steve Phillips scouts the Vawls' practice and Phil Fulmer doesn't think 30-degree weather is cold (insert your own "Phat Phil" joke here -- I don't have the heart to do it since he's been fired).

So does this remind anybody else of Woodyball?

This AP story could be a VU football story ca. 2001-2004 (this tables-turning business is quite enjoyable).

In case you haven't heard, Ole Miss and LSU named their game with each other (and to my mind, that sounds like a good idea).

The Sports Network gives us the cold, hard facts about the game, and I was most surprised by how closely Yew Tee mirrors our season-stats (this game is not nearly as "in the bag" as everyone is apparently thinking).

I disagree with Maurice that this could be our best team (with no offense to our current players -- you're awesome, but so were our national championship teams).

David Rutz notes that Chris Nickson still has a shot at breaking some Commodore records (and he'll have an extra game to do it, too).

MEN'S BASKETBALL

The Illinois beat reporters are obsessing about the layout of Memorial Gym. Maybe they should worry more about A.J. Ogilvy.

David Boclair chronicles a happy problem for men's hoops: Jamie Graham can't practice 'til football's over (and football won't be over 'til we're starting our SEC schedule!).

Aram H explains why Steve Tchiengang has been suspended by the NCAA (don't worry, we didn't do anything wrong).

The Sports Network previews our game with the Fighting Illini, and they pick the 'Dores to win.

Maurice, on the other hand, isn't so sure about a Commodore victory.

Jeremy Warner is apparently fascinated with Memorial Gym, because he sure does talk a lot about it in his VU-Illinois preview (really, people, this storyline is starting to be as annoying as the "no-bowl-since-1982" storyline has been for football for all these years).

Herb Gould thankfully avoids obsessing about the gym layout in his analysis of the game.

David Boclair worries about the Illini defense with our young Commodore squad.

Stu Durando actually headlines his article about this game with the gym layout -- really?

Mark Tupper takes a different approach on the gym-layout story, asking someone whose played against VU on it how it was (response: we got killed, so not so fun).

Kudos to Terry Bannon for the best explanation of Memorial Gym's floor that I've seen in the mainstream press -- and he does it succinctly, too!

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Turnovers helped the Commodores rout Eastern Kentucky, taking the no. 13 Vanderbilt women to 3-0.

Mike Organ says turnovers led to the Commodores' lop-sided win (yeah, but didn't we force a lot of those?).

Whitney D. has the story and pictures from the women's rout of Eastern Kentucky (and doesn't the new floor look great?).

David Boclair has a great quote from MelBal about how the women were so dominant against a team that might have challenged them in the past (and for sure, if we keep beating teams like this, it'll be easy to see how VU was picked to win the SEC -- of course, this is EKU, not UT).

BASEBALL

Tim Corbin has done it again: our baseball recruiting class is the number 2 best class in the country. Way to go, coach.

Two modest proposals: rivalry game name and school cheer

2008-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Several new traditions have been created during Coach Bobby Johnson's tenure, including the reinvigoration of the Star Walk, the addition of the Golden Anchor, and the Commodore Creed.

One of my favorite things about Vanderbilt football is that despite long years of ignominy, the fans and traditions around our program have stayed largely intact. We still blow the foghorn, we still sing our eighty-six year old fight song, and the great history of our beloved program remains fresh in the minds of many of the Vanderfaithful.

At the same time, we do lack, somewhat, in some of the more typical traditions found amongst our SEC brethren. For example, our biggest rivalry game -- with our most hated, in-state enemy -- lacks even a nickname, let alone a trophy or logo.

Neither do we have a "nonsense words" cheer like our SEC foes Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy), Alabama (Rammer Jammer), and Auburn (Wegle, wegle).

I propose that we fix those two errors. And, to get the conversation started, I've spent a little brain capital coming up with two (very) modest proposals.

RIVALRY GAME

If Vanderbilt and Tennessee agreed to a name and trophy, they would be following in the footsteps of LSU and Ole Miss, who decided on "Magnolia Bowl" as the name for their annual match-up this year.

I propose that the annual Tennessee-Vanderbilt game, begun in 1892 and played annually almost every year thereafter, be christened the "Old Hickory Classic."

The name "Old Hickory" was the nickname of arguably Tennessee's greatest son, Andrew Jackson, the Seventh President of the United States. I believe that the nickname works on several levels for the UT-VU game.

For the orange side, Jackson was a prominent Tennessean whose leadership in the War of 1812 helped bring to the State its nickname, "the Volunteer State" -- the very label upon which Tennessee's athletics teams' nickname is based.

For the gold side, Jackson was a stout mid-stater, and he made his home near Nashville (as evidenced by the scores of places, streets, and business named "Old Hickory" in and around Music City).

The trophy could be some statue of Jackson, or it could be based upon the tree itself.

An alternative nickname could be "Big Bend Brawl," in honor of one of Tennessee's other state nicknames, "The Big Bend State."

NONSENSE WORDS CHEER

Before I present my idea for a Vanderbilt nonsense words cheer, I believe that a review of our conference brethren is appropriate.

This is how much "Hotty Toddy" has entrenched itself in the minds of Mississippians.

The quintessential nonsense-words cheer is, of course, "Hotty Toddy" at Ole Miss (the cheer is so ubiquitous there that the public restroom facilities at The Grove are signed "Hotty Toddy Potties" -- I'm not making that up).

Here are the words to "Hotty Toddy":

LEADER:
Are you ready?

RESPONSE:
Hell yes!
Damn right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty,
who the hell are we? (hey!)
Flim fam, bim bam,
Ole Miss, by damn!

The cheer works well because it is simple, has a catchy rhythm, and is relatively short. It also works well because it is led by a person, instead of by a band (which, as we'll see below, makes it easier and more enjoyable for fans -- while also allowing the cheer to be used at sporting venues where a band is not present; e.g., a baseball game).

Less well-known than Hotty Toddy, but equally as original (in my opinion) is Auburn's nonsense cheer, "Wegle, wegle" (which is also called "Bodygetta"). Here are the words:

Body-get-a, body-get-a
Body-get-a, bah
Rah, rah, rah
Sis, boom bah
Weagle, weagle
War Damn Eagle!
Kick 'em in the butt Big Blue
Hey!

Again, this cheer is short, which is a plus for a large group cheer. In my opinion, however, this cheer is not as effective as Ole Miss' because it is so hard to remember. In my three years in Alabama, most of the Auburn fans I ran into didn't know the words up until the "weagle, weagle" part.

Also, in my experiences at Jordan-Hare Stadium, it always seemed that people didn't know the cheer was going until the "sis boom bah" part of the cheer.

One of the reasons the cheer works is that the fans don't have to learn too much new stuff: almost half of it is based around the popular and easy-to-enjoy "War Eagle" battle cry that is so rich in tradition for Auburn.

Our final SEC nonsense word cheer to examine is Alabama's "Rammer Jammer." It is my least favorite because it involves the popular "Hey Song" that is played at every athletics event in the United States from middle school on up.

The cheer goes as follows:

BAND:
[Plays the Hey Song]

RESPONSE:
Hey Vols!

BAND:
[Plays the Hey Song]

RESPONSE:
Hey Vols!

BAND:
[Plays Hey Song]

RESPONSE:
Hey Vols!
We just beat the hell out of you!
Rammer jammer, Yellowhammer,
Give 'em hell, Alabama!

The cheer can be incredibly intimidating (much more so than the other two we've examined here), and perhaps that's because it's much more angry than the other two. Here, we're hating on a rival, in the other two, we're showing general school spirit.

At the same time, the cheer incorporates something unique to Alabama -- it's being the Yellowhammer State (based upon its state bird, the Yellowhammer).

Except for the "Who ya with" cheer tacked on to the end, my proposed "Sack-a-fella" cheer would make most Commodore fans feel right at home, even those at the opening of Dudley Field in 1922, seen here.

My proposal for a Vanderbilt cheer combines elements from all three. It does not involve a band, but it does incorporate Vanderbilt traditions and uniqueness; it also involves the call-and-response format used successfully in "Hotty Toddy":

LEADER:
What do you see?

RESPONSE:
Belllllllle Meade,
Ooooooooooo hell!
Take off your firs,
stand up and yell!
Sack-a-fella, sack-a-fella,
Go and tell
all the orange rednecks
to go to hell!

[or, when not playing Yew Tee]

LEADER:
What do you see?

RESPONSE:
Belllllllle Meade,
Ooooooooooo hell!
Take off your firs,
stand up and yell!
Sack-a-fella, sack-a-fella,
trim the sail,
forward Commodores,
conquer and prevail!

In analysis, we invoke our naval mascot, and reinforce the nautical nature of the mascot (that is sometimes obscured to our own fans and certainly to our opponents).

We then incorporate elements of the 1940s Vanderbilt cheer used at Dudley Field, "Belle Meade, O Hell: take off your firs, stand up and yell!" We add football-relevant nonsense words (football-related, since most cheers of this nature, while used at non-football events, usually began at football games), and then poke a little fun at our rivals, using words that reinforce the importance of the rivalry.

Finally, as Auburn does, we conclude with a short, well-known, and popular refrain that people won't have to learn extensively (used in our current third down cheer).

So what do you think? Should we have a game name? What about a school cheer?

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Twelve

2008-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

With the season winding down, there's not a lot of movement this week. Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 11-0 (7-0)

It seems that the Crimson Tide were able to exorcise whatever demon was plauging them when it comes to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They were all set for another Crooming when they proceeded to run the Bulldogs out of the stadium. I'm excited for the Reddish Elephants, but this sort of thing is ridiculous. He's only been there for 1.92 seasons, people. Time for a week off to get ready for the Iron Bowl (in Tuscaloosa, no less). Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Florida 9-1 (6-1)

I kept thinking back to my freshman year of college when I saw that Urban Meyer and his Gators hung 50 on the Ol' Ball Coach. Payback sure is a female canine, isn't it Steve? Anyway: Gators get the Citadel this week (really?), followed by the 'Noles in Tally for rivalry week. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Georgia 9-2 (6-2)

Beating Auburn is always fun for the "South's Oldest Rivalry" (a nickname with which I take strong issue, considering that Vanderbilt and Sewanee played their first game (at 22-0 VU win!) in 1891 -- and it doesn't get much more "southern" than the University of the South), but the folks in Athens still seem to be questioning their lot in life because they won't be going to play for the national championship. Open date, then the Rambling Wreck rolls into town for rivalry week. Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. LSU 7-3 (3-3)

It would have been very embarassing (on the level of VU losing to MTSU, except worse) if the Tigers hadn't pulled this one out against the Troy Trojans. Forunately, LSU was able to rise to the occasion and bust through in the fourth quarter. Okay, okay, enough puns. Better watch out for the Rebels this week: they're on their way up. Arky in Little Rock should be a breeze. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. Vanderbilt 6-4 (4-3)

Call me a homer, but the Commodores looked back to their early-season form in their trip to the Bluegrass. If Chris Nickson can keep his act together, and if the 'Dores can beat their rival from the East, then Vanderbilt will be sitting pretty. Regardless, with a bowl invite secured and a non-losing season guaranteed, the Dores go ahead of the Cocks and Rebs thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker. Last week: no. 8 (+3).

6. South Carolina 7-4 (4-4)

It sucks for people to be poor sports when they're winning, doesn't it Coach? I'm glad you lost by that much, but I wish your team hadn't had to deal with that. Take a break, lick your wounds, and come back to beat Clemson for rivalry week. You'll finish 8-4 and get a nice bowl for your trouble. Last week: no. 5 (-1).

7. Ole Miss 6-4 (3-3)

I don't think Ole Miss is as good as their demolishing of LaMo indicated, but they sure are looking good right now. Congratulations on bowl eligibility! Joining VU in ending a bowl drought is a great way to start Houston Nutt's tenure as Rebel-in-Chief. Great chance against LSU, but a win will still be an upset. And watch out for the Egg Bowl: you'll be favorites, but Miss. State has been fighting all season long. Not necessarily the seventh-best team, but below VU because of loss to them; below South Carolina because of loss to them. Last week: no. 6 (-1).

8. Kentucky 6-5 (2-5)

Apparently my suspicion about Kentucky from last week turned out to be prophetic. At the same time, the C-A-T-S-Cats-Cats-Cats are no pushover. Open date to prepare to fight (clandestinely, since it's not "official" any more) for the Beer Barrel means Big Blue can still end up with 7 wins. Last week: no. 7 (same).

9. Auburn 5-6 (2-5)

One rivalry (supposed the South's oldest, but see Vanderbilt-and-Sewanee) down, one rivalry to go. Does anyone on the Plains really think they'll beat 'Bama? I'm not saying that they can't (in fact, I think it would be quite a typical Tuberville maneuver to quiet critics by killing Bama's resurrection hopes), and I'm just asking whether they do. Last week: no. 9 (same).

10. Arkansas 4-6 (1-5)

Open date to prepare for Croom and company in Starkville. Watch out, Hawgs: that's exactly the scenario that started Vanderbilt's 0-4 slide back on October 11. Another SEC win and you've got two! Last week: no. 10 (same).

11. Mississippi State 3-7 (1-6)

Close, but no cigar. And for Pete's sake, somebody get Sylvester Croom a wool-knit cap so he doesn't have to wear a hoodie. The man is an SEC coach, for crying out loud. I've seen the Athletics Department building in Starkville: surely to goodness somebody could find him a nice hat, ear warmers, head band fleece, something. There's a great chance to pick up a win against the Hawgs this week. Last week: no. 11 (same).

12. Tennessee 3-6 (1-5)

The press sure was ugly this week. It was also sort of pitiful to watch the Knoxville News-Sentinel try to come up with something positive to say about the situation in the East. With the a loss to Vanderbilt this week, the VU-UT rivalry looks to be re-invigorating (in football -- it's already been boiling in basketball (men's and women's) and baseball). One thing, though: this rivalry needs a trophy. Last week: no. 12 (same).

Naval Intelligence: Dores concentrating on rivalry game with Fulmer's Vols

2008-11-18T13:57:00.001-08:00

Vanderbilt junior defensive back D.J. Moore celebrates one of his two touchdowns in the Commodores' sixth win of the season in Lexington. Photo by Stan Jones, Vandymania.com.

For me, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: for the first time since I was born (in 1983), the Vanderbilt Commodores are bowl eligibile. The question on the minds of Commodore fans is no longer "if," but "where." There's also the issue of a certain "University" to the East with whom we have an athletic contest scheduled this weekend in Nashville.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes has a great piece analyzing our bowl chances with reference to each specific SEC bowl tie-in from BCS on down (he says Chick-Fil-A if we win out and Liberty if we don't).

Dimon also has a handy analysis of all the bowl eligible SEC teams' possibile post-season destinations (including their current rank, several pundits' bowl predictions, and Dimon's own bowl predictions -- great stuff).

Dimon sees BoJo 'playing to win' by putting D.J. Moore on offense, arguing that you should always find a way to get the ball to your best athlete.

PhilipVU94 is back (hooray), and he takes a look at reaction outside Commodore Country (and there's some particularly inspiring ink being spilled on the topic of the Commodores comeback).

One of the blogs Philip cites is an Auburn gentleman who sends congratulations our way.

There's also this post which, despite its profanity, did give rise to a chuckle with it's take on BoJo holding his hand up at Commonwealth Stadium (not to mention a great B.O. (Barack Obama, not Body Odor) reference: "Can we go to a bowl," he asks; "yes, we can," he responds).

Finally, Philip points us to a particularly poignant piece by Matt Zemek, who got my tear ducts acting up again.

Philip's buddy Jake has more in-depth speculation about where the 'Dores will be headed after Christmas -- to play football! (That's right, we're still celebrating it here at S&S).

Philip has a run-down of punditry's collective (conventional) wisdom about where we'll end up for our bowl (best: Chick-Fil-A, CBS; worst: Music City, CFN).

Philip takes us down a memory lane of sorts looking at our expectations for the Commodores at the beginning of each season (and boy, is he right: we win when we don't expect it -- or, as HeyJennySlater put it last year after we beat South Carolina, Nobody expects the Vanderbilt Commodores!).

Philip looks at the various scenarios necessary for us to go to our highest bowl possible (with some self-deprecation involving an issue with the Cotton Bowl).

Cocknfire has a great piece about our game, noting that "Making history is never easy" (and Amen to that).

David Rutz tells VU to 'live it up' because they deserve it (and yes, they do).

Stanimal has a nice, feel-good piece about bowl eligibility that you should read (though I disagree that Kentucky tried to hand the game to us).

Probably one of the best Joe Biddle pieces I've ever read is currently up at the (U)Tennessean (and, just for the record, your humble author was among those who went to Jess Neely Drive in the 24-degree weather to welcome home our conquering heroes at 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning).

Maurice Patton notes that our current seniors have enjoyed more wins than any VU team since the 1972-75 squads (they had 22 wins during those 4 years; we have 20 from 2005-08, with two regular season (and one post-season!) games remaining).

Scott Ferrell chronicles the Independence Bowl executives' fretting about the fate of their game if the SEC doesn't have enough bowl-eligible teams to fill out its contractual agreements (they mention VU several times, but the bowl exec is doubtful we'll end up in Shreveport).

David Brandt, down in Mississippi, gives lots of love to D.J. Moore after his "show-stealing" performance against UK (he also congratulates us on bowling).

Rob Shaw has some love for his alma mater, giving a shout-out to the 'Dores.

David Boclair has what will probably end up being my favorite BoJo quote of the season (so good, it's worth quoting): "'I've answered about – in my estimation – 1,362,000 questions about it,' [Johonson] said. 'We've got six wins now, and we're going to try to go to seven.'" (Don't worry, coach, nobody's going to be asking number 1,362,001 -- also, there's a great line about Brett Upson being a piñata at the UK game).

Mitch Light says VU is his team of the week, despite his sarcastic aside about our offense (and yes, Mitch, we know it's not been pretty).

I agree with Jean Neuberger: Vanderbilt's spent enough Decembers in Nashville -- just say "no" to the Music City Bowl (it's not that I don't have great memories of playing at the Coliseum -- oh wait, no I don't).

Orlando sportswriter Tim Stephens declares the SEC's best coach is neither Nick Saban nor Urban Meyer -- it's BoJo (great quote: "Translation: YOU might win 10 games at Alabama.").

Darren Epps made me cry with his Whit Taylor-passing-the-torch story (it's so amazing to be a living part of Vanderbilt lore).

Matt Zemek compares life after bowl eligibility with marriage (really? somebody with access is going to have to email me the analogy so I can understand it).

Speaking of the Vawls, the AP chronicles their quarterback controversy that's bubbling up nicely, and just in time for Senior Day in Nashville (random Yew Tee joke: "Why do Yew Tee grads put their diplomas in their windshields? (beat) So they can park in handicap spaces. (rimshot)).

Ron Higgins apparently liked the Bowl Bandwagon website shennanigns the (Student-)Athletics Department put up after the UK win (it was humorous that they had it on both the VUcommodores.com and Vanderbilt.edu homepages within 5 minutes of the win).

Vanderbilt senior quarterback Chris Nickson led the Commodores to accomplish something even Jay Cutler didn't: bowl eligibility.Photo by Stan Jones, Vandymania.com.

Chris Low ranks the SEC, and we're no. 5 on his list (ahead of South Carolina and Ole Miss).

T. Kyle King ranks us no. 6, behind Ole Miss but ahead of South Carolina (I'd flip-flop that if I were him).

Gamecock Man puts us at no. 6, behind South Carolina and ahead of Ole Miss (like I suggested).

The Editorial Board of the Hustler demands that students do their part to support our newly-bowl eligible Commodores, going so far as to require that students postpone their Nashville departure so as to avoid Vanderbilt Stadium's being "overwhelmed with the hideous orange of Nashville's numerous Volunteer fans" (I agree -- an also attended both VU home games (though one was at the Coliseum -- blah) as an undergraduate).

David Rutz chronicles Chris Nickson's roller coaster season and notes that it mirrors the team as a whole (I guess he is the leader, after all).

BASKETBALL

PhilipVU94 has some thoughts on men's and women's hoops now that both teams have had their season openers (and wins!).

Stanimal has a thoughtful piece on why certain teams get such recognition despite their poor performance recently (if this piece were about football, it could easily be entitled, "Why Notre Dame has a TV contract").

Stanimal also has a good recap of the men's game against Morehead State (I agree with Stanimal that it was probably our youth that kept us close 'til the end -- also, for anyone that was there, what was the attendance like?).

Michael Compton recaps the women's first road-win at Western Kentucky (why are we playing a road game this early against such a weaker opponent?).

Maurice Patton credits the men's defense for their win over Morehead State (there's also a great picture of A.J. Ogilvy looking like a beast with this article, too).

Jimmy Boyd picks the VU men to finish no. 4 or 5 in the SEC East because of our youth (guess he missed the memo about the awesome-ness of the said youth).

D.J. Moore named national player of the week

2008-11-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Vanderbilt junior defensive back D.J. Moore was named the national defensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation after his game-changing performance in the Commodores' 31-24 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. AP Photo.

Vanderbilt all-star defensive back (and sometime wide receiver) D.J. Moore was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for his unbelievable performance in the Commodores' 31-24 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats that clinched VU's first bowl berth in more than quarter-century.

"It feels so good to get out and get our sixth win," Moore said. "We have been waiting awhile to get here after starting the season going 5-0. Since then we have gone 5-4 and it feels like a ton of bricks has been taken off our back after this game. We still have two games to play and we want to get two more wins to end the season."

Moore, a junior from Spartanburg, S.C, provided a pair of key interceptions in the Commodore win, including the game clincher with 2:07 left in the fourth that sealed Vanderbilt's sixth win of the season.

Moore also enjoys the rare distinction of likely earning consideration for the Camp Foundation's National Offensive Player of the Week honor. While seeing the most action at receiver in his career, Moore scored touchdowns on the first two career receptions, helping the Commodores strike first for the first time this season.

“I can't say enough about D.J., just a remarkable performance,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. “He had such an impact for us in this win, making one big play after another. It was simply another remarkable effort from a guy that just has a knack for making big, big plays. This honor couldn't have gone to a more deserving player.”

It also marks the second time Moore has captured National Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Walter Camp organization. Last year, Moore was recognized after nabbing two interceptions in Vanderbilt's 17-6 road win at No. 6 ranked South Carolina.

Moore's first interception came in the second quarter after Kentucky had narrowed the Commodore lead to 14-7. The pick gave Vanderbilt possession deep in Wildcat territory, with the Commodores pushing the margin to 21-7 three plays later when quarterback Chris Nickson hit tight end Brandon Barden on a 1-yard touchdown.

Moore's final big defensive play came on Kentucky's last threat to send the game into overtime. With the Wildcats deep in Vanderbilt territory, Moore stepped in front of a Kentucky receiver to pick off Randall Cobb's fourth down pass.

Moore's six interceptions this season gives him a share of the national lead with seven others. He has 13 interceptions, tops among active players in the SEC and tied for second all-time among Commodores behind 15-interception total by former Vanderbilt All-American Leonard Coleman.

SEC sports information contributed to this post.

THE CURSE IS BROKEN: VANDERBILT IS BOWL ELIGIBLE

2008-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

Add one more finger, Coach. We've got SIX wins, and we're going bowling! AP Photo.

For the first time in twenty-six years, for the first time when a sixth-win was on the line in 17 tries, and for the first time in my lifetime, the Vanderbilt Commodores are bowl eligible.

On a bone-chilling night in Lexington, the Vanderbilt Commodores scored first to take a 7-0 lead against the Kentucky Wildcats. Vanderbilt continued to pile up points and led 24-7 at halftime.

After the break, Big Blue came out aggressively, scoring 10 unanswered points in the third quarter. Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson led the 'Dores to a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and then it was time for the Black and Gold defense to hold fast.

After giving up a touchdown, Vanderbilt managed to hold until the last moment. Vanderbilt all-star D.J. Moore made his second interception of the night, and the Commodores, after getting a first down, went into victory formation and secured their first sixth-win since 1982.

UPDATE: We've just received word that the team is expected to arrive at McGugin Center around 2:30 a.m. central time; Vanderbilt students, alumni, and fans are invited to come welcome home our victorious, conquering heroes.

We'll have more, in-depth coverage here on S&S, but right now we're going to celebrate!

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Eleven

2008-11-14T13:37:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

With the season winding down, there's not a lot of movement this week. Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 10-0 (6-0)

Well that was rather underwhelming. I mean, this was supposed to be the game of the week, and I just wasn't that impressed. Yes, it was a huge crowd, and yes, it went into overtime. But did you ever really feel that Alabama would lose? SEC West champs: your Alabama Crimson Tide. Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Florida 8-1 (5-1)

I said it could get ugly, and boy did it get ugly. Vanderbilt Stadium started out full, and I've never seen that many people leave that quickly. Why, again, was this game on TV? Florida is looking like national championship material. Who was that team that lost to Ole Miss again? Only Alabama's unbeaten record keeps them ahead of the Gators in my book. Your SEC East champs: the boys from ol' Flo-ri-da. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Georgia 8-2 (5-2)

They always say that the "championship teams" know how to win the bad games and the close games. The Bulldogs were surprised by Coach Brooks' pulling a freshman quarterback out who could play, but they managed to put the 'Cats away on the road in Commonwealth Stadium. They don't get to win the SEC like their fans wanted, but how in the world can they be disappointed with this year? Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. LSU 7-3 (3-3)

The Cajuns just barely manage to stay above the 'Cocks in my book, due primarily to the strength of the competition to which they've lost, i.e., the top three teams in the SEC this season. Watch out for the Rebels in two weeks; otherwise, 9-3 looks in the bag. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. South Carolina 7-3 (4-3)

The Ol' Ball Coach has his boys nipping at the heels (paws?) of the Louisianian Tigers. It won't be pretty for Spurrier's homecoming in Gainesville, but then again, who expects them to win? Looks like a 8-4 season for the folks from the Palmetto State. Last week: no. 5 (same).

6. Ole Miss 5-4 (3-3)

Open date to prepare for Louisiana Monroe. Now before they get cocky, they should remember who La-Mo has beaten before (not to mention Yew Tee's debacle against Wyoming -- more on that, anon). The Rebs can win all three of their remaining games. They can also finish 1-2. Regardless, barring a Vanderbilt-style collapse, they're going bowling in Oxford for the first time in 5 years. Last week: no. 6 (same).

7. Kentucky 6-4 (2-4)

I'm not saying Vanderbilt will beat them, but this Kentucky team sure looks suspect. Their wins include Louisville, Norfolk State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, Arkansas, and Mississippi State. But when you compare that to VU's wins (Miami Ohio, So. Carolina, Rice, Ole Miss, and Auburn), methinks that the 'Cats aren't as good as their record may indicate. Of course, that could be wishful thinking. Last week: no. 7 (same).

8. Vanderbilt 5-4 (3-3)

There were pseduo-silver linings in the schellacking by Florida, including Chris Nickson's return with a decent game. The question is, will Chris Nickson (ca. 2006) show up in Lexington? Will he be able to play in the cold? Will our defense decide to show up this week? Can we handle a running quarterback? I don't have high hopes for attaining the unspeakable number this week. Maybe against a team whose collapse is shaping up to be worse than ours... like our neighbors/enemies to the East? Last week: no. 8 (same).

9. Auburn 5-5 (2-4)

Auburn halts its four-game losing streak, but they do so by barely sliding past.... Tennessee-Martin? The Skyhawks?! (Which raises the question: what other sort of 'hawks are there? Groundhawks?). The War Eagling-Tigers' last two games are rivalry games. Let's see if Tuberville can get his team up for one of them -- then they'll make bowl eligibility. Last week: no. 10 (+1).

10. Arkansas 4-6 (1-5)

I have to sympathize with the Hawgs. As a Vanderbilt fan, I've been through the sort of season they're experiencing right now. The only difference is that I've never tasted the success they've had there. So maybe I don't sympathize that much after all. Winnable game against Missisippi State after this week's open date; not a realistic chance for bowl eligibility, though. Last week: no. 9 (-1).

11. Mississippi State 3-6 (1-5)

The Magnolia State Bulldogs are now tied with Yew Tee for the bottom of the SEC. I know, I know: they should lose the tiebreaker 'cause the Vawls beat them. But Miss. State could still beat Arky, whilst Yew Tee could realistically lose both of its remaining games (at Vanderbilt and vs. Kentucky). Looks like a 3-9 season in Starkville, though. Last week: no. 11 (same).

12. Tennessee 3-6 (1-5)

Wyoming Cowboys. Homecoming. Yew Tee loses. Not three concepts generally associated with one another. Until this year. I have to admit, I sort of feel sorry for Phil Fulmer -- he's given most of his life to his alma mater, and she's not exactly sending him off on a bed of roses. The Vawls should have taken a lesson from Florida State (on how to deal with a formerly-beloved, aged coach who's not doing so hot). Open date to prepare for the Commodores: let's hope the Vawls come out flat (and that the Arnge "faithful" stay away from Dudley Field). We need this win a lot more than they do. Last week: no. 12 (same).

Naval Intelligence: Cold, wind, and snow will greet Commodores in Lexington

2008-11-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Vanderbilt must return to it's early-season form if it hopes to attain bowl eligibility against the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday night in Lexington. The Commodores have gone 0-4 (0-3 SEC) since the loss to Mississippi State in Starkville.AP Photo.

It's going to be somewhere around 34 degrees, with snow flurries and winds from the west-northwest at 13 miles per hour when the Vanderbilt Commodores and Kentucky Wildcats kick-off in Lexington tomorrow night at 7 pm central. And the weather may not be the only ugly thing on display at Commonwealth Stadium.

Vanderbilt tries for the fifth time in five games to make bowl eligibility, and only the Commodores know whether they've let the psychology and pressure of that number go to their heads.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country:

FOOTBALL

Chip Cosby reports that neither BoJo nor Rich Brooks think the weather will significantly impact their teams (to the extent that they can blame the weather at least -- to my mind, it's hard for snow, wind, and cold not to effect the way the game's played).

Brian Rickerd profiles our bowl woes over the past twenty-six years (while also pointing out that Kentucky's three-year bowl streak is also quite an achievement).

Jim McBride asks what happened to Vanderbilt and its bowl hopes? Good question, Jim.

Tony Barnhart picks UK to win, 17-24 (a very realistic score, to my mind).

Mike and Jay pick Vanderbilt to win by six (but, then again, they're Vanderfans, so not exactly objective voices, but still).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes catalogs BoJo's ***-win futility (where *** is that number I'm refusing to say 'til we attain it).

The Burglar wants us to go deep, and he's willing to hand out wedgies to get it done (frankly, I don't get the "Rescuecom" reference, but that's not necessarily surprising, considering my appalling lack of cultural literacy).

Five "functions" for winning the game, according to Jesus Quintana: start Nickson, pressure Cobb ("WHAMMY"), special teams (wtf is "lamb and tuna"?), trickeration, and "the wishbone -- why the eff not?"

Greg Viverito has given up on winning in Lexington, so he focuses on (men's) basketball (in the person of John Jenkins, our four-star recruit who signed a Letter of Intent).

Despite law school, the men at VSL valiantly fight on (with news of Jenkins' LOI, also -- I fully understand their legal woe, having just passed the Bar myself).

The AP thinks UK and VU are mirror images of one another (with the significant difference that one of those schools doesn't have a psychological disorder regarding a certain number between 5 and 7).

Ryan Sonner pics the 'Cats, 20-24 (I'm still wondering from where all these people think any points above 14 will come).

David Rutz has happy-stats, or not: we suck in November, against Kentucky, and on ESPN 2 (thanks Dave).

Maurice Patton also takes the November-woe storyline out for a spin (we get the message, gents).

Jeff Schultz picks Vanderbilt to win as his upset (but he says we won't beat the spread).

Chip Towers explains to UGA fans why something besides winning the SEC matters, since they're apparently struggling to handle that concept (spoiled, if you ask me).

David Boclair has the understatement of the week with his headline, "UK Offense to provide challenges." (Umm, yes, they will).

In a more cheerful mood, David Rutz looks for a fresh start for VU in his Hustler piece (of course, the headlines may reflect editorial decisions -- just goes to remind us how annoying the UTennessean's editors can be).

Pete Fox pics Kentucky, 17-27 (arguing that everybody in the world has seen how to beat us).

Darren Epps gets all sarcastic about UK/Vanderbilt being on ESPN2 with his snarky comment, "Nickson, Cobb... the SEC on ESPN!" (Sounds like someone's a bitter Yew Tee fan).

Jason at HireJoeGirardi sees 3 things we have to do to win the rest of our games (block, tackle, and have special teams).

OverThePylon writes an entertaining preview, and picks the 'Cats, 17-35 (I don't think UK will score that much -- at least I hope not).

Et tu, Dimon? He picks UK, 10-24 (wouldn't 14-24 be more precise, considering our other games in the losing streak?).

MuthaBlogger picks Kentucky, since they're at home.

Justin gets second place for understatement of the week with his "Vanderbilt needs win in the Commonwealth." (Again, umm, yes. We do.).

Cocknfire picks Vanderbilt, 16-14 for number ___ (you know that number).

Chris Low picks Kentucky, also, 21-28 (this is starting to get lop-sided).

Chris' earlier focus on VU dried up when the wins did, but now he gives a spotlight to the UK-VU matchup (probably because our game's on his network).

Football Pick'em Tally: Vanderbilt to win, 3; Kentucky to win, 6.

BASKETBALL

Maurice Patton previews the 2008-09 men's hoops team, with a focus on AJ Ogilvy (you know, it's going to be neat to see how such a young team works this season).

David Boclair also takes a look at men's basketball, and there's a great quote from Coach Stallings about focusing on both the present at the future (interesting way of putting it, coach).

Melanie Balcomb says size is overrated. In basketball. But hey: she's the coach, not me (and it is her team that's picked to win the SEC, too).

Naval Intelligence: Football still looking to bowl, women's hoops picked to win SEC

2008-11-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Vanderbilt Commodores (5-4, 3-3 SEC) will take on the Kentucky Wildcats (6-4, 2-4 SEC) this Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexginton, before a national television audience on ESPN2. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. central.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

As Commodore fans take a look at their team's remaining football schedule, it's hard for them not to have that sickening "we've-been-here-before" feeling. Only we haven't.

Vanderbilt has never had a collapse quite as bad as this. Remember one of those glory stats from the beginning of the year? You know, the one about the first 5-0 since 1943 and the first full-season 5-0 since 1941? Well, neither Vanderbilt team in those years finished with 7 straight losses.

In fact, it is literally impossible for any Vanderbilt team to end as disasterously as this Commodore team has the chance to do: we've only been playing 12-game schedules in this century (i.e., the twenty-first).

I do not believe that even the Vanderbilt Commodores can fail at every game. I do not believe that we will undergo such a massive collapse that it would surpass all the years of ignominity that we have experienced in our 118 years of football to finish this season, this year at 5-7. I believe that Vanderbilt can do it. I really do.

That's not what's making news in Commodore Country, but it ought to be (also, starting with this week's NI, we're going to be dividing stories by sport):

FOOTBALL

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes talks a lot about the number I refuse to say, at least until we attain it.

Looking ahead, the Yew Tee game will be on Ray-Com, making it a daytime game (where we're currently 0-3).

Why in the world can't we start Nickson (after all, if Mac Adams is hurt, and we're going to start Nickson against Tennessee, let's just do it already).

The AP is confident that Vanderbilt's defense will be well-prepared for Kentucky's breakout freshman quarterback (wish I could be, too).

Tony Barnhart digs up the following stat: 0-17 (Vanderbilt's record when playing for bowl eligibility since 1982 -- an ugly stat for sure, but hey Tony, that's one ends up with when one hasn't been bowling in 26 years).

Maurice Patton analyzes how VU will respond to UK's freshman quarterback Cobb (hint: not well, since Vanderbilt players are comparing him to the Mississippi State and Florida quarterbacks).

More ugly stats to help us weep, wail, and gnash teeth as we prepare for the trip to Lexington.

Ron Higgins says Vanderbilt is in "the desparate" stage for bowl eligibility (hard to believe we still have 3 winnable games, isn't?).

Derrek Forest helpfully points out that Chick-Fil-A Bowl reps will be at Commonwealth Stadium this Saturday (for UK, not us).

I bet Phil Fulmer is glad he has two weeks to prepare for those mighty Vanderbilt Commodores.

Maurice might have been trying to stir up trouble with his headline (after all, if they're putting the hit in the past, why make that the highlight of your story?).

Ron Higgins doesn't want Vanderbilt in the Liberty Bowl, because he doesn't think Commodore fans will travel (umm, excuse me, but we haven't been bowling in 26 years -- we're going to go wherever no matter what -- it's not about winning the bowl, it's about going to the bowl).

The Sports Network has a bit more of an optimistic outlook about the Kentucky game than I do.

Caleb Hannan says that Dudley Field will be the site of the Apocalypse come Saturday, November 22 (probably the funniest article he's written all year).

Maurice puts the 'Dores on the couch to figure out the psychology behind we can't get the [> 5 but < 7] win syndrome from which the Commodores are suffering (you know, we do have a Psychological Counseling Center: maybe we should send our team to see the good doctors).

More psychological analysis, this time from David Boclair (one just hopes that we keep that confidence if we lose on the Bluegrass).

Jamie Graham is still out for the Kentucky game (and so is Mac Adams, probably).

Brett Dawson liked Rich Brooks' quote about Vanderbilt being "geeked up" for their game against the Wildcats (I don't think coach meant it as an insult, but if we can use it for motivation, then by all means let's do so.

Jake makes the case for keeping Bobby Johnson over at Save the Shield, since PhilipVU94 is continuing his football boycott ('til football is bowl eligible).

PhilipVU94 ranks the SEC, keeping the 'Dores at no. 8 (where I have them, too).

Jesus Quintana may get his wish, since Mac Adams is probably too injured to start against the Wildcats (but weren't we all advocating for Mac earlier this year?).

The Burglar and the WYW team still think we're bowl-bound, and I needed their optimisim to keep from getting depressed.

Burglar also analyzes UK and VU stats from the season thus far (with a really cool spreadsheet).

Vanderbilt's defense, who faced current Heisman-winner Tim Tebow against the Florida Gators, must match up against another mobile, athletic quarterback in Kentucky's Cobb.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

Marv divines our odds of getting to that number, our average chance of winning at least one: 58.34% of getting at least 1 win (that's change I can believe in).

Stanimal is apparently frustrated with football, and takes the Vanderfan's traditional solace from such woe (i.e., basketball).

BASKETBALL

Jerry Tipton previews the SEC Men, and he says the 'Dores have a shot at the Dance (though he doesn't think we'll actually make that shot minus Shan Foster).

John Zenor leads off with a great Stallings quote in his analysis of the SEC (I'm starting to think the press really like KeSt (doesn't have the same ring as "BoJo" does it?)).

Athlon says VU's men will finish 4th in the East, with only A.J. Ogilvy getting any pre-season love.

Teresa Walker reminds us that our Women are pre-season favorites to win the SEC outright, and not just the Tournament.

Charlie Creme apparently thinks he knows more than the coaches, when he says they were wrong to pick the VU women to win the SEC (he does look a little awkward in his picture, doesn't he).

Mike Organ's best headline is this? Come on, Mike. You can do better.

BASEBALL

David Boclair notes that Tim Corbin is at it again: you know, recruiting the nation's best baseballers to come to Nashville (I can't wait for baseball!).

Is Florida a yardstick for 'Dores, 'Cats?

2008-11-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

Vanderbilt's Jared Hawkins led the Commodores with 46 net yards rushing in the Black and Gold's loss to the then- no. 5 Florida Gators.Photo by Vanderbilt Athletics.

There were several firsts at Dudley Field last Saturday night.

One of those firsts was that there was, for the first time in my Vanderbilt experience (which, admittedly, is only since Fall 2001, my freshman year), a blimp at a Vanderbilt game.

It was the first November Vanderbilt game in a long, long time that had implications for the SEC Eastern Division title (if the first ever).

It was the first time Vanderbilt football had more than one game on the ESPN family of networks since 2005, and it was the Commodores' first night-game loss this season.

It was also the first time that the Vanderbilt offense has looked alive since before the Auburn game.

The Black and Gold registered their signature 14 points against the Gators in the second half. True, the second touchdown was against the Gators' backups, but it was Vanderbilt's first drive of 81 yards that looked most impressive. The Commodores even won the time-of-possession battle, thanks to their grinding second half drives, 32 minutes to the Gators' 27.

Ultimately, the stats that matter are 21 and 14: the number of points that Florida scored in the first and second quarters, on their way to a win that was never really in doubt after the exclamation point touchdown scored in the back of the south endzone at the end of the first half. By that point, Tim Tebow was moving the ball at will, and there was literally nothing that Vanderbilt could do about it.

How the Commodores respond to this game will be interesting. Obviously, it was a tremendous loss, and no one at Vanderbilt Stadium doubted who would emerge victorious after UF went up 3 touchdowns. But there was a silver lining to the loss.

In "holding" the Gators to 42 points, Vanderbilt managed to do something that no SEC team had done since October 4: hold the Gators to 6 touchdowns or less. And, as one particularly optimistic Commodore fan pointed out to me this week, Vanderbilt did "win" the second half, 14-7 (the problem with that is that after the 7 points by Tebow in the third quarter, Urban Meyer sent in his bench).

More importantly to the rest of Vanderbilt's season, the Commodores managed to put together two impressive drives of 81 and 87 yards against the Gator defense, grinding out 14 points on the strength of balanced attack from rehabilitated quarterback Chris Nickson. The only team that has scored more against the Gators this year (since the Ole Miss turnaround) has been LSU, who managed 21 (peer institution Kentucky only managed 5, while mighty Georgia only put up 10).

How does all this bode for the Kentucky game this week? If Florida is used as a measuring stick for the two teams, then Vanderbilt may stack up very well, indeed. Against Kentucky's defense, even Florida's bench was scoring at will, and the Wildcat offense went nowhere, only scoring 3 points.

The other measure of the two teams' ability are the South Carolina and Georgia games. Against the Gamecocks, Big Blue lost 17-24, while the Commodores won 24-17 (advantage, VU, though it's true that UK played in Columbia and the Dores were at home). With the Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky lost a very close game, 38-42, while Vanderbilt lost between the Hedges 14-24 (advantage, UK).

So what does fuzzy math say about the football game between the two Eastern Division basketball schools? If we average the scores among the two teams' common opponents (Carolina, Miss. State, Ga., and Fla.), Kentucky is 18.5-35.5 (1-3), and Vanderbilt is 16.5-25 (1-3). We might conclude, then, that Kentucky's offense is better, by 2 points, and Vanderbilt's defense is better, by 10.5 points.

I do not know how the Commodores will fare in Lexington this Saturday. It will be a brutal game: the high on Saturday is only expected to be 43, and there is a 40% chance of snow showers. The low is 29. Commonwealth Stadium is always an obnoxious place to play, as demonstrated ably by the Georgia Bulldogs last week. And the Wildcats are liable to be up for Senior Night on their third ESPN appearance of the year.

But the Commodores, too, have a lot to be excited about. The signs of life against Florida could translate into a win in the dark, cold Bluegrass this Saturday. And Vanderbilt remains 5-1 under the lights (not to mention 5-1 with Chris Nickson starting).

Or, the game could become a repeat performance of the Duke Debacle: with Mac Adams' pointers injured and Chris Nickson still inconsistent, it's hard to tell which Commodore team will show up on Saturday.

We can only hope that Vanderbilt ends up with another first this Sunday: their first win greater than five since 1982.

Cold kick-off could cure Commodore crisis

2008-11-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Temperatures should be in the mid-40s when Vanderbilt and Florida kick-off tonight before a national television audience at Vanderbilt Stadium.Photo by Diezba, Star & Stripe.

Home-field advantage may mean more than just rowdy fans in the stands tonight at Vanderbilt Stadium, as cold temperatures could give the Commodores the boost they need to halt their three-game skid and secure a bowl berth for the first time since 1982.

According to AccuWeather (apparently the official weather provider of Vanderbilt University -- who knew?), the temperature at kick-off should be somewhere between 52 and 47 degrees. That's good news for the Vanderbilt Commodores, who have been preparing in much cooler temperatures than the Florida Gators have enjoyed in sunny central Florida.

In Nashville, this week, the mercury has been dropping each day, and it took a nose-dive after a cold front moved through yesterday. Meanwhile, in Gainesville, the highs have been in the mid-70s all week.

The Black and Gold will need every advantage they can get as they face off against the no. 4 Florida Gators at Dudley Field before a national television audience on ESPN2.

Naval Intelligence: Dores have little to lose, much to gain against Florida

2008-11-07T13:44:00.001-08:00

With no one expecting much from the home team, the Vanderbilt Commodores will host the Florida Gators before a national television audience on ESPN2.AP Photo.

With the biggest sporting event in America (you know, the one that takes place every four years) now in the books, the good folks at S&S (whose Electoral College is tied 1-1 between Diezba and Mark) are finally ready to get back in the game.

The thing is, there wasn't a whole lot of excitement to get back to writing about the football game scheduled for a seven o'clock start on Dudley Field and ESPN2.

Yes, the Commodores are still poised to get the evil number between 5 and 7, and yes, the Commodores are still (in November?!) fighting for a piece of first place in the SEC East, but everybody "knows" that we're going to get killed this weekend.

To say the least (see our weekly "Pick 'em tally" below), expectations are low for the Black and Gold this week.

But despite abominable play in two out of the last three games (Mississippi State and Duke being the abominable games), the Commodores have a chance to win (not just achieve a "moral victory" of avoiding blowout) if they play to their potential and catch some breaks here and there.

Whether the grid-iron Commodores miraculously acquire a win against the Gators, there's a great chance to see Black and Gold victory in Memorial Gym this Saturday, as Kevin Stallings takes his 2008-09 Commodore team out for a test-drive against Alabama-Huntsville.

And all that's what's making news in Commodore Country:

Ray Glier gives George Smith national exposure in the big Grey Lady (it's hard not to feel a connection with George's story, isn't it?).

David Wunderlich explores Vanderbilt's chances to beat Florida through orange-and-blue glasses (but he is fair, and it's a good read).

Jeremy Fowler has a quick look at the match-up between the Gators and Commodores (and helpfully suggests that we do not allow the Gators to score first).

Raymond Gilstrap previews the UAH-VU hoops match-up in the hilariously named Alabama-Huntsville student newspaper, The Exponent (wouldn't guess this was a NASA town at all, would you).

Apparently the AP is dissing Mac Adams with their short-'n-sweet Commodore report article (that's the only story line they could come up with? really?).

Maurice Patton has noticed that our early season luck has run out, with the lede about "everything going right" then and everything going wrong now (and you know, when our turnover margin that everybody was talking about flips from a key asset to a key concern, it's to argue with his logic).

Michael DiRocco raises the spectre of that number, which I'm officially refusing to say for the rest of football season unless and until we attain it (you know, the one that's > 5 & < 7).

David Boclair has definitely noticed our improving defense, but I'm afraid he's focusing on it mainly because of our offensive woes (and they sure have been woeful).

Christopher Yazber reminds us that even tourist-hyped Floridians can get excited for the Music City (he also picks UF 17-42).

Joseph Goodman joins Mr. Yazber in calling this one for the Gators, but why in the world do these Florida people keep calling this our "biggest game of the year"? I'm sorry folks, but that's just not the case -- we don't have anything to lose against y'all, and a whole heap to gain.

The Bull Gator picks the Orange and Blue by a score of either 10-63 or 24-38 (depending on whether we do well and whether Florida does poorly -- either way, he sees a Gator win).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes calls our offense offensive, and with the stats he looks at, I agree (wholeharted agreement -- Ted Cain, please do something, or we're going to have to restructure the Offense -- ask Todd Turner about how that'll turn out for you).

Dimon also notices that Urban Meyer is pulling a Spurrier and talking up his opponent (does anybody in the world really believe that Urban doesn't think that Florida won't walk all over Vanderbilt?).

Dimon takes a look at why D.J. Moore is getting national recognition from the Jim Thorpe Award people (you know, the people who pick the best defensive back -- and he joins four other SEC backs out of 13 total).

Dimon agrees with Reshard that he should stop talking and start playing (me three, Dimon).

PhilipVU94 keeps breaking his self-imposed exile to rank the SEC in football (he drops the Dores to no. 7).

Peter LeTarte has a great naval allusion in his Gator-Commodore preview piece for the Hustler (I guess Jarred and company were watching election returns like I was).

David Shochat showcases Chris Marve, the hero of the Ole Miss game who stripped the ball to save the win (he's a redshirt freshman for those playing at home).

The Hustler power rankings keep VU no. 6, in the category, "We should be going to a bowl..." (all I can say is, "Shoulda, woulda, coulda").

Aram H has a great recap of VU baseball players in the major leagues (topping his list, of course, is the first Commodore I can remember playing in the World Series, Mr. David Price).

Matt Zemek has some election references of his own in his preview of the game.

Nik Rodewald tell us the keys to the game, and they're not that big of a surprise (hint: 28 points by us, special teams rebound, defense remain steady).

Pete Fox sees more offensive offense when he picks UF 3-38 (not an unrealistic score, to my mind).

Seamus O'Toole thinks we have a shot, and he identifies four factors (in what clearly demonstrates that Seamus is in law school): turnovers, Ted Cain/Mac Adams, special teams, and red zone battle (interesting stat of the day: Florida is no. 1 in the USA for red zone offense; VU is no. 1 in the USA for red zone defense -- who knew?).

Bobby O'Shea has Vandereaction to Phil Fulmer's ~~albatross~~ swan song.

Jim Butler starts looking at Basketball since football may not be that enjoyable this week (I, myself, can't wait to get into Memorial again).

David Boclair has a round-up of the news on VU hoops' men's and women's teams return to the hardwood (women play today at 7 pm, men play Sunday at 4 pm; both in Memorial Gym).

Women's hoops is back in the Top 15, ranked no. 12 in the first pre-season poll of the year (Yew Tee is no. 6, the SEC's highest-ranked team).

Erik Brady has a typical Stallings quote in his USA Today article about the upcoming men's basketball season (you just know that "no joke, Sherlock" line got edited before being printed, didn't it).

PICK 'EM TALLY (football): Vanderbilt to win, 0; Florida to win, 4.

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Ten

2008-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 9-0 (5-0)

The Crimson Tide put an appropriate smackdown on Arkansas State, and maintained perfection for another week. That LSU game may be the "marquee" game, but it sure doesn't have the luster that we thought it would at the beginning of the year. Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Florida 7-1 (4-1)

Any time a team is averaging victory by a margin of 54-12 over three games, you know they're good. But when they're doing that against SEC defenses? You know they're awesome. Apparently, that loss to Ole Miss was a fluke. Too bad the Commodores couldn't have caught the Gators that week. In Nashville this Saturday, it may get very, very ugly. Last week: no. 3 (+1).

3. Georgia 7-2 (4-2)

I realize that it won't come as consolation to the folks in Athens, but nobody in Red and Black should be hanging their head when they think about their team this year. Yes, these were supposed to be national championship Bulldogs, but who would have suspected that both Florida and Alabama would turn out to be literal juggernauts this year? The Dawgs will win out, and end the season with a very respectable 10-2 (6-2). Last week: no. 2 (-1).

4. LSU 7-2 (3-2)

The Bayou Bengals have certainly not lived up to the high expectations they were holding out for themselves at the start of the season. This week against Alabama is not going to help their case, either. It should be exciting, but I think the Crimson Tide should be able to hold off the Cajuns for another year. Is LSU the fourth-best team in the league? Maybe. But maybe not. A loss to 'Bama means 0.500 in conference play. Yikes. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. South Carolina 6-3 (3-3)

The Gamecocks certainly had to have enjoyed being the cause of Fulmer's retreat from Tennessee. You know Steve Spurrier is loving life right now. Though their trip to Florida will not be pretty, the Sporting Male Roosters should finish the year with a handsome 7-4 (4-4). I know, not commensurate with their pre-season hopes, but still: a bowl's a bowl, Gamecocks. Last week: no. 5 (same).

6. Ole Miss 5-4 (3-3)

Though the Commodores had an open date this week, Mississippi looks like the team on the rise, and after Vanderbilt loses to Florida in Nashville on Saturday (giving the teams the same record), the Rebels will definitely be on top. Actually, ol' Houston Nutt has a chance to win all three of his remaining games (La. Monroe, LSU, and Miss. State), and at the very least finish 2-1. I think the folks in Oxford will gladly take 7-5. Last week: no. 7 (+1).

7. Kentucky 6-3 (2-3)

Though the record hides it well, the Wildcats are not nearly in as good of shape as the casual observer might suspect. After their schellacking in Gainesville two weeks ago, Big Blue struggled with atrocious Missisippi State. Now I'll grant that Starkville is apparently becoming a hard place to play (the 'Dores certainly were intimidated, weren't they), but still: UK can lose all 3 of its remaining games (though 2-1 is probably more realistic). Of course, no one in Lexington probably cares since the Wildcats are going bowling! Last week: no. 8 (+1).

8. Vanderbilt 5-3 (3-2)

Though the Commodores' record in the SEC places them in better position than both UK and Ole Miss, I'm still licking my wounds from the Duke Debacle, and I can see this season truly ending in the freefall we all feared but were afraid to talk about out loud. I'm also getting myself into the mental state necessary to deal with the game that's coming up this week, as the Florida Gators come to Nashville. A friend who was reading my thoughts on this week's game against the Orange and Blue put it this way: "Well, that was depressing." Exactly. Last week: no. 6 (-2).

9. Arkansas 4-5 (1-4)

Again, I recognize that putting the Hawgs ahead of Auburn when the Burnt Orange and Blue people have a better SEC record may violate my rankings rationale, I believe that Arky is the team on the rise. Just like that, they've positioned themselves for the possibility -- if remote -- of finishing with a non-losing season. And they've got a schedule that could help. If they're lucky, 2-1 is not impossible. Last week: no. 10 (+1).

10. Auburn 4-5 (2-4)

Is it just me, or does no one on the Plains seem to care about the rest of this football season? It's as though they're just showing up in their uniforms, running around on the field, and then going home. I like Tuberville, but I can't imagine that the Auburn people are going to be satisfied with just shuffling assistants and coordinators around at the end of (or in the middle of) this season. Fulmer may not be the only SEC coach hunting for a job in December. Last week: no. 9 (-1).

11. Mississippi State 3-6 (1-5)

Though Yew Tee and State both lost this week, the team that looked like it still had at least some life left in it was the one playing at home in Starkville. The Junior Dawgs still have another shot at an SEC victory when Arky comes to town before Thanksgiving. The question is, though, how will Croom placate the mob with another losing season? Last week: no. 12 (+1).

12. Tennessee 3-6 (1-5)

The freefall is complete, with the Vawls hitting rock bottom as they announce the end of the Fulmer Regime in Knoxville. It's hard to believe that this is the same coach and team that won the National Championship with a 13-0 season in 1998 isn't it? C'mon Vawls: your season is over, but you can still help Vanderbilt make bowl eligibility on November 22. I mean, you don't really have anything left to fight for -- so just mail it in. Please? Pretty please? Last week: no. 11 (-1).

Vanderbilt to host Gators on ESPN2 for night game

2008-11-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

After Florida's win over Georgia, the ESPN networks announced that the Gators' trip to Nashville would be televised on ESPN2 at 7 pm central.Photo by VU Athletics.

In the Commodores' first return to the ESPN family of networks since its historic win against Auburn on October 4, Vanderbilt will host the Florida Gators before a national television audience on ESPN2, beginning at 7:00 p.m. central.

According to The Gainesville Sun, ESPN officials have made it official that the Black and Gold will be playing under the lights for the first time since the network's last trip to Nashville a month ago.

The Commodores entered that last game against the no. 13-ranked Auburn Tigers unbeaten at 4-0, and ranked no. 18. This time, Vanderbilt is on a three-game losing streak, with a struggling offense and questions about its starting quarterback and play-calling decisions by its offensive coordinator Ted Cain.

In games played at night, Vanderbilt is 5-0 this season. In games played on the ESPN family of networks, the Commodores are 3-0.

Maybe the chill of the Tennessee fall will seep into the Gators' bones, helping the Commodores miraculously acquire a victory.

Alligators are, after all, cold-blooded animals.

Dores' David faces Gators' Goliath this Saturday

2008-11-02T13:03:00.001-08:00

In the past three games, both Vanderbilt and Florida have seemed to play like their counterparts in the 1990s. Good news for the Gators, bad news for the Commodores. Photo by Neil Brake, Vanderbilt University.

It doesn't get any more difficult than this.

The Florida Gators have defeated their last three opponents by a combined score of 163-36. That's an average of 54-12. An average margin of victory of 42 points. Six touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has lost its last three games by a combined score of 35-51, averaging just under 12 points per game.

And against an inferior Duke team last week, the Commodores could only muster 7 measly points in a fluke-pass downfield that caught the Blue Devil secondary off guard in the fourth quarter.

There's no question about it: the Commodores, and their lately-named starting quarterback Mackenzi Adams, are facing a giant wearing Orange and Blue this Saturday, led by superhero and Heisman-winner Tim Tebow.

For Florida, only Vanderbilt and South Carolina stand in the way of a perfect season in the SEC East. For Vanderbilt, Florida is the fourth opportunity in as many games to pick up their first "sixth" win in 26 years, and maintain a piece of the lead in the Eastern division.

It's hard to imagine a more difficult scenario for Bobby Johnson, Ted Cain, and Bruce Fowler.

How does one overcome the tremendous sense of letdown and despair that has returned to this program with a vengeance since the devastating loss to Duke at Homecoming?

How does one use the 117th best offense among the 119 Division I schools to beat a team that is averaging 54 points against three SEC defenses?

How does one hope to defeat a team peaking and looking forward to possible national championship hopes when one's own team's once-certain hopes for its first non-losing season in decades seem to be slowly fading into a mirage-like daydream?

Only the Commodores know for sure what they're preparing for Urban Meyer and his Florida Gators when they swarm into Nashville. But one thing's for sure: if the Commodores manage to beat the Gators, no one's going to be talking about the ever-escaping sixth win.

Because it will take a second Music City Miracle for Vanderbilt's shepherd with a sling to defeat Florida's giant with a Heisman.

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Nine

2008-10-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 8-0 (5-0)

It seems, ladies and gentlemen, that the Crimson Tide are "for real." Though Yew Tee fans may argue there was a turning point in a bad call by the officials (conspiracies afoot!), Alabama really never let the Vawls get close. The only challenges left are two Tiger teams (LSU, 6-2; Auburn, 4-4) that look significantly weaker than they did at the beginning of the season. If they can avoid Kentucky-style let down (i.e., their own "let down" against the Wildcats at Bryant-Denny), then they can finish undefeated. Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Georgia 7-1 (4-1)

The Bulldogs get the number 2 spot mainly because of the quality fo the opponent to whom they lost (and I don't think anyone would argue that Ole Miss is better than 'Bama). At the same time, the Dawgs sure are catching the Gators at a bad time for the Cocktail Party. I mean, have you seen the margins on their last two games? They've won 114-26 (!) against two SEC teams. If I were the Georgia Bulldogs, I'd be seriously praying for some rain when I travelled to Jacksonville this year. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Florida 7-1 (4-1)

The Gators seem to be peaking at the right moment: just in time for the Cocktail Party. I guess Tebow's tears in the post-Ole Miss press conference really did get his team motivated. I dread the Gators' trip to Nashville in two weeks; there's a real possibility of a big ol' zero for the offense, if the Gators hold to form against Georgia. Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. LSU 6-2 (3-2)

Though the Tigers won't be world-beaters this year, they're still not bad enough to be ranked behind any of the teams below them. They still get a shot at 'Bama, though I don't think the Tide should struggle, and the rest of the way looks pretty favorable for a 9-3 rebuilding season and a nice bowl. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. South Carolina 5-3 (2-3)

Though the Gamecocks were idle, that kept them from looking as horrible as Vanderbilt did against Duke. They were on the upswing when we last saw them (remember, only a key play here and there kept them from a big win over LSU at home), while the Commodores have decided to plummet into a black (and gold) hole of epic proportions. Besides: I think the Ol' Ball Coach will hand Phat Phil an ugly loss in Columbia this week. Last week: no. 6 (+1).

6. Vanderbilt 5-3 (3-2)

I briefly thought about dropping the Commodores down to no. 12, but I can't find an SEC team which, by my criteria ("performance thus far"), merits a higher ranking. I do believe, however, that unless the Black and Gold can muster some sort of offense, they're going to lose every single remaining game. Vanderbilt has to put points on the board if they want to have any chance of winning any of their remaining games (except, perhaps, against Yew Tee). There may still be hope for a non-losing season, but it's about as realistic as the chance that Phat Phil will keep his job. Last week: no. 5 (-1).

7. Ole Miss 4-4 (2-3)

The Rebels win over the Hawgs wasn't exactly pretty, but they did get another SEC road win -- not to mention revenge for the way Arkansas ran Houston Nutt out of Fayetteville. The Auburn game in Oxford should be pretty interesting, and I'd say it's a toss-up at this point. Last week: no. 8 (+1).

8. Kentucky 5-3 (1-3)

Talk about an ugly game. I can only imagine how the Kentucky faithful pitifully celebrated their safety, because I've been there, done that as a Vanderbilt fan. The only team whose season is crashing faster than UK's is Vanderbilt. Last week: no. 7 (-1).

9. Auburn 4-4 (2-3)

The rumblings for Tuberville's head are getting louder on the Plains. Now that BoJo's stock is falling in the Music City, maybe Clemson will look to their SEC twin Auburn for a new head coach. Looks like he may need a job. Last week: no. 10 (+1).

10. Arkansas 3-5 (1-4)

Once again, the Hawgs come up short against one of the bottom-half SEC schools. At the same time, they are showing improvement each week. It will be interesting to see how they finish out; if they can steal one from the Gamecocks in Columbia, they still make might bowl eligibility. I put them ahead of Yew Tee because the Hawgs' lone SEC win was on the road; Yew Tee's was in Knoxville. Last week: no. 11 (+1).

11. Tennessee 3-5 (1-4)

Who decided that a 2-4 team playing a 6-0 team merited national television, anyway? Anyway. Once we start getting down here, it's more of a guessing game as to who goes where. The Vawls' lone conference win was against Mississippi State in Knoxville, but it was, at least, a convincing win. Not so convincing are Big Arnge claims that they'll vanquish the Ol' Ball Coach this week. Last week: no. 9 (-2).

12. Mississippi State 3-5 (1-4)

Again, one could make a good argument that Yew Tee and State should flip-flop, but since Yew Tee beat the Dawgs, we'll let the Vawls avoid suicide for now. State has a winnable game against a fading Kentucky team in Starkville this week, and there's always a chance they could beat Arky and Ole Miss, too. Last week: no. 12 (same).

Vanderbilt looks like 'SOV' in ugly loss to Duke

2008-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt's loss to Duke at Homecoming on Dudley Field doesn't bode well for a Commodore team looking for its first "sixth" win in 26 years.Photo by Mark Humphrey, Associated Press.

So much for BNV.

In the aftermath of Vanderbilt's loss to the Duke Blue Devils 7-10 on Homecoming, our headline from last Friday's Naval Intelligence seems almost mocking.

But, now that the horrible, gut-wrenching disaster that thousands of hopeful Commodores fans were forced to watch on Saturday is over, it's time to pick up the pieces.

Homecoming most decidedly did not bring with it Vanderbilt's first non-losing season in 26 years. Instead, it brought a sense of despair that, as a friend of mine put it so succinctly, "the wheels are coming off" of this once-promising program.

Anyone who watched what transpired on Dudley Field on the occasion of its 118th Homecoming Celebration knew exactly what they were seeing. It was nothing less than a full-scale reversion to a team characterized by three dream-killing letters.

SOV: same old Vanderbilt.

Despite gaining 15 first downs and 291 yards of offense,and despite holding Duke to 250 yards total offense, Vanderbilt could not compete in the statistic that mattered most: scoring.

"We have to put points on the board to help our defense and gain the win," said Vanderbilt tight end Brandon Barden. "We didn't do that today."

The Commodores had multiple opportunities to put points on the board and put the game away, including two missed field goals (on two attempts) that would have either tied the game or given Vanderbilt the lead. But repeated mistakes kept the Black and Gold from putting the game out of reach.

"It was frustrating at times during the game," said wide receiver Sean Walker. "Duke got pressure on Mackenzi Adams and that gave us trouble."

"We got down on ourselves early," Walker said.

Trouble did start early for the Commodores, despite the near-parity in the post-game statistics. The stats cannot accurately describe the game that actually took place at Vanderbilt Stadium.

While the numbers paint a picture of a closely-fought game that ultimately came down to a chess match between coaches Bobby Johnson and David Cutcliffe, a closer look (or a bare perusal of game film) demonstrates that this was an atrocious game for the team from West End.

One of the most telling stats was this: the Commodores were 0-for-1 in the red zone. This, from a team that, after 5 games, was averaging a 96% scoring ratio in the red zone.

And again: Vanderbilt punted 6 times, for a total of 178 yards. Duke, on the other hand, punted 7 times for 271 yards. The Blue Devils averaged 10 more yards-per-punt than Vanderbilt.

Even the defense, largely a bright spot, had trouble. While the Blue Devils managed to sack Mackenzi Adams five times for a loss of 37 yards, Vanderbilt could only muster 19 yards off 4 sacks.

Perhaps more worrying than the lack of execution was the lack of adjustment by the coaching staff. Early on in the first half, Vanderbilt was driving, but a stall led to 4th-and-1 around midfield. After a moment of hesitation, the coaches (Ted Cain? Bobby Johnson?) sent in the special teams unit for the punt.

At the time, it seemed like normal BoJo Football: field position, field position, field position. Later in the game, however, the coaches threw the traditional Vanderbilt strategy out the window.

With less than 9 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Commodores' drive had come up short with 4th-and-6. Instead of punting, and pinning Duke deep in their own territory, the offense -- which has yet to convert on fourth down this season -- was sent to try it once again. The play failed miserably, and Duke was given prime field position.

The defense held the Blue Devils, and the offense was given another chance. But jaw-dropping and seemingly erratic play-calling plagued Vanderbilt all day.

After the game, Bobby Johnson seemed to admit it, too.

"[Duke] thwarted everything we tried to do," Johnson said. "They took everything from us."

It would be difficult to find a Commodore fan who'd disagree with the Coach's assessment. And while most of the fans could identify the problem, they are not the ones tasked with coming up with an answer when the no. 8 Florida Gators, who just completed the utter destuction of Kentucky 63-5, come to Nashville on November 8.

Obviously, that is the coach's job: to analyze what happened, come up with a new game plan, and coach the players into executing it properly.

Will Coach Bobby Johnson and his staff be up to the challenge?

"We have no way to explain [this loss]," Johnson said. "It's back to the drawing board: we've got a lot of work to do."

Naval Intelligence: Homecoming may bring 'Dores first non-losing season in 26 years

2008-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt celebrates Homecoming, welcoming back alumni from years ending in 8 and 3, and Mr. Commodore won't be the only one getting dressed for the occasions. The Men in Black and Gold will be looking for the football program's first "sixth" win since 1982. Photo by Vanderbilt University.

Excitement is in the air on West End.

The festive "Commodore Quake," the Homecoming pep rally and concert for undergrads and alums (plus Nashvillians who get left-over tickets), apparently went off well (and apparently without any annoying political chatter).

The annual Top Ten Outstanding Seniors have been selected, and voting for Most Outstanding Senior is closed.

Student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and others are putting the finishing touches on their Homecoming Parade floats, and the parade will start on Kensington Place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning (and then wind its way down 24th Avenue South, Vanderbilt Place, and 25th Avenue South.

But the excitement isn't just anticipation for the big reveal at halftime (when the Outstanding Senior is announced). For the first time in a long time, the Vanderbilt homecoming game matters.

As everyone who hasn't been living on the planet Mars knows, if the Commodores can get (say it with me) their sixth win, then they'll be bowl eligible for the first time in 26 years. A quarter-century. The ugliest record yet to fall in a season of falling-ugly-records.

That's what's making news in Commodore Country:

Geoff Hutchinson riffs on the theme our SEC opponents have been saying about us, this time with a verse about Duke.

Bobby O'Shea has an outstanding preview of the Homecoming Game against the Devils (with an evil commenter invoking the specter of SOV).

Stanimal explains why this game is make or break (even more so than all the other "make or break" games we've had this season -- and I agree with him, wholeheartedly).

Vandy holds steady at no. 5 in most SEC Power Poll Rankings, including PhilipVU94's (also in our rankings here at S&S).

The Burglar quotes Greg Blache to say that stats are for losers, but he can't help worrying about our 118th-ranked (out of 119 teams) offense (I'm sorry, but that's horrible).

Jesus Quintana dislikes D"ew"k, and he is not alone in Commodore Country (and no, Dookies, it's not because we got rejected; it's because we -- and by "we," I mean, "I" -- didn't want to live in a colony of the state of New Jersey).

Chris Low dares to believe, telling his ESPN audience that the 'Dores go bowling this week (and, well, he called the Miss. State upset, didn't he?).

Chris predicts a Commodore Homecoming Victory, by a score of 31-24 (so Chris is going higher than the Vegas over/under of 40-something).

Dimon Kendrick-Jones analyzes our performance in different times of day and different environments (I do think, for the first time in a long time, that we genuinely have some sort of home-field advantage at Vanderbilt Stadium this year).

Dimon also reminds us of our dismal homecoming record, which is an ugly 25-34-3 (and I have to agree with his rant about our scheduling -- I've only seen 1 homecoming win during my entire affiliation with Vanderbilt University, which is to say, since I was a freshman in fall 2001: UConn in 2002).

Greg Viverito recaps the Athens trip and gives a shout-out to S&S (and let me say for the record that if one does not have a good time in Athens, Ga., one is not trying).

The Sports Network has a break-down of the game and predicts a Commodore win, 17-9 (so Duke's either getting a safety or missing their extra point).

Jeremy Fowler says the Dores are still in contention to win the SEC East (all we have to do is beat Duke, Florida, Kentucky, Yew Tee, and Wake).

Clay Travis asks whether Duke-Vandy fans will have the highest net worth of any stadium crowd in the country this season (he thinks the only competition would be Duke-Northwestern -- you've also got to love his Vanderslogan suggestion: "Our rich girls are hot").

Stephen Dawkins predicts a Duke win, 18-23 (arguing that we've collapsed in the past four seasons, and this season will be no different).

Tony Barnhart thinks Vanderbilt will win, 24-20 (because the Commodores are undefeated at home).

Richard Pittman thinks it's an injustice that the Commodores' possible sixth win won't be on television (all the same, it'll be nice in case the unthinkable happens and the Devils go home with a win).

PICK 'EM TALLY: Vanderbilt to win, 3; Duke to win, 1.

Vegas sees Vanderbilt a 9-point favorite over Duke

2008-10-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Commodores will have their hands full when the Duke Blue Devils bring their Cutcliffe-led offense into Vanderbilt Stadium.Photo by Georgia Athletics.

There's been a lot of movement on the line between Vanderbilt and Duke since betting opened at Vanderbilt at -14.

Honestly, I don't know what statistics the Vegas people were looking at when they set that line, particularly when VU Athletics has a very nicely packaged side-by-side comparison of Duke's and Vanderbilt's statistics thus far this season (p. 9 of the Game Notes).

Here's a sampling:

► VU has scored 161 points this season, or 26.8 ppg

► VU has allowed 122 points, or 20.3 ppg

► That's a 6.5 point margin in favor of the Commodores

► Duke has scored 154 points, or 25.7 ppg

► Duke has allowed 141 points, or 23.5 ppg

► That's a 2.2 point margin in favor of the Blue Devils

What should we expect from these two surprise-story teams? Going strictly by scoring statistics, Vanderbilt should maange 25.2 points and Duke 23. In terms of a spread, then, Vanderbilt is only 2.2 point favorite, statistically-speaking.

Remember, too, that Vegas has consistently been getting the spread wrong when Vanderbilt plays this year: the Commodores are 6-1 against the spread (with Mississippi State their only "loss").

As Vanderbilt desperately searches for win no. 6, none of this is anywhere near comforting for the men in Gold and Black. It may be Homecoming against a non-conference opponent on West End this Saturday, but Vanderbilt had better play as though its proverbial life depended on it.

Because it might.

Naval Intelligence: Signs of life in loss to Georgia keep 'Dores looking for sixth win

2008-10-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Despite Vanderbilt's recent dominance of the Duke Blue Devils, as in the last meeting between the two teams, when Vanderbilt won 45-28, the Commodores face a dangerous Duke team, led by first-year head coach David Cutcliffe, in Vanderbilt Stadium for Homecoming this Saturday.Photo by Duke Athletics.

It certainly was a tough game this weekend, but I agree with Mark that it's only "the mildest of setbacks."

After all, we did re-establish, if just for one game, a balanced offensive attack against a very good SEC defense. In fact, the only team to score more rushing yards against Georgia was the Alabama Crimson Tide -- and that puts us in very good company, indeed.

Still, BNV is not about moral victories, and neither is its newly revitalized fanbase. The frustration with managing to just miss number six is starting to grow, and it's not just among the long-time fans of the program. Even the team is starting to get antsy.

"We've got to make sure to get that sixth win, something a Vanderbilt team hasn't done in 20-something years," Mackenzi Adams told the Tennessean.

Is all the attention starting to be counter-productive? Do the Commodores feel like there's a carrott on a stick dangling in front of them, forever just out of reach?

Not according to Vanderbilt's newly-christened starting field general.

"It's definitely a hump, but at the same time we've got to face the fact that it's there. If we focus, we'll get that sixth win and then we'll keep rolling after that," Adams said.

There are five games left in the regular season of 2008, and that means five chances for the Commodores to have their first non-losing season in 26 tries.

Vanderbilt's first -- and best -- opportunity in this second-half of the season is also Homecoming on West End. All that is what's making news in Commodore Country:

Chris Low keeps the 'Dores at no. 5 in the SEC, saying that we have what it takes "to win 7 or 8 games" (I like that, but I just can't see 8 wins).

Does this sound like a moral victory to anybody else? (I am having trouble discerning the difference between a moral victory and learning from one's mistakes).

Matt Wilson is ready to move on and focus on our preparations for Duke (he also sees the beginnings of what could be a Cutler-Bennett type relationship between Mac Adams and Jamie Graham -- how cool would that be, pairing two fan favorites? -- attention VU marketing and promotions: exploit this if it continues to develop).

Jimmy Morris says we still have to play perfectly in order to win against SEC teams (and sadly, that may not even be enough: yes, we had costly mistakes against Georgia, but so did they -- the Dawgs won because they were a better team, in the opinion of this spectator who travelled to Athens).

Maurice Patton chronicles our Top 25 adventure this season, and points out that we broke records by staying in for 4 weeks (but Maurice also notes that stat I mentioned at the top of this article: we managed to get the most rushing yards against UGA's defense of any team except Alabama).

David Climer is channelling Commodore angst about that sixth win (and he's right: number 6 seems like it will never, ever come, doesn't it?).

Maurice Patton notebooks the post-game, and it sounds to me like BoJo and Bruce Fowler were not happy with somebody on that O-line (what changed that led to the relative success we enjoyed in our ground game this week?).

BoJo was pleased with Mac Adams in his first start this season (and I think this game cleared up any quarterback controversy that may have lingered from earlier in the season: Mackenzi Adams is the Vanderbilt quarterback).

This sounds less like a moral victory, at least when you put some context around it (and no one sounds satisfied -- just realistic that they did make some improvement despite the loss).

The Tennessean's grade for this week is a 2.43 (a bit more than a C+).

David Climer has a good point: despite the loss, our defense continued to look strong against a overwhelming opponent (and yes, they did put up more than 400 yards, but the game wasn't a blow out, and the defense anchored down in the second half to keep Moreno relatively under control).

PhilipVU94 sees a line of demarcation amongst the Vanderfaithful (roughly divided between "The end is near!" and "That wasn't so bad" -- I guess you count Philip, Mark, and me in that camp -- we've still got 5 chances to win 1 game -- and we haven't had a six-game losing streak in 3 years).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes has his bowl projections posted, along with a brief history of where the "experts" say we'll be in December (it's certainly an interesting read).

Dimon also takes a look at our roller-coaster Top 25 rankings (it's a realistic possibility that some wins here and there could take us back into the rankings, at least in the mid-20s).

Dimon gives us a future-opponents update, and if you're not worried about Duke, you should be (I know I am).

Dimon sees grit in the Commodores' loss in Athens (and again, despite seeing positives in the team's loss, I don't think this is a moral victory, in the sense that either the team or the fanbase is satisfied with "a good loss").

Mike Easterling breaks down the 2008-09 men's basketball schedule, and he thinks a Tourney invite is possible, after all (isn't it cool that we're not consumed with basketball right now? normally, at this point in the season, we've moved on from worrying about how well football will do).

Former Vanderbilt pitcher David Price pitched the final four outs to take the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series (and somewhere on West End, Tim Corbin smiled a knowing smile).

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Eight

2008-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 7-0 (4-0)

For two straight games, now, the Crimson Tide have held off scrappy and resilient SEC foes to stay undefeated. That's the sort of effort that it takes to compete for and win championships. The question is, will the championships being fought for be of the SEC or the national variety? Perhaps both. It is the "Third Saturday in October" this week, but I seriously doubt that this year's edition will make much of an addition to the storied rivalry between the Vawls and Tide (sorry, Oskie). Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Georgia 6-1 (3-1)

Getting to see the Dawgs up close and between the Hedges was proof enough to me that UGA is the real deal this year. I can't help but think that if the team that showed up against the Commodores had been playing the Crimson Tide, the score of that game would have been different. I'm not saying that the Red and Black would have beaten the slightly-darker-Red and White, but I do think it would have been a much closer game. Vanderbilt had a decent game against Georgia, but they were just a better team. The World's Largest Cocktail Party should be quite interesting, indeed. First, though, it's time to go calling Baton Rouge. Last week: no. 2 (same).

3. Florida 5-1 (3-1)

The Gators had an open week to heal and prepare for... Kentucky? Note to Florida scheduling personnel: get the open date before the World's Largest Cocktail Party, not the schellacking of the Wildcats from the bluegrass. It will be interesting to see whether Florida can muster the offensive production against UK that they did against LSU. Certainly, everyone would agree that LSU is better than UK, right? If so, then should we expect a 60-15 final score? I doubt it. Kentucky showed they could scrap against Alabama (even if they only beat the Pig Sooies by 1), but Florida shouldn't be caught looking ahead (at least, not after the Ole Miss game). Last week: no. 3 (same).

4. LSU 6-1 (3-1)

LSU earned some respect from me this week by gutting one out in Columbia. Throwing South Carolina into the win column helps the Tigers' resume tremendously, and locks them firmly into fourth in my take of the SEC. They host the Georgia Bulldogs this week, and it should be an exciting game. It could also, however, devolve into a Florida-style debacle. After all, Georgia held the Gamecocks to 7, but LSU allowed 17. Will that be the difference in Baton Rouge? Even if they can beat the Dawgs, though, there's still that pesky team with a former head coach that happens to be undefeated still looming on November 8. Last week: no. 4 (same).

5. Vanderbilt 5-2 (3-2)

I went back-and-forth over whether the five-spot should be the Commodores' or the Gamecocks'. Ultimately, I went with the 'Dores because (1) Vanderbilt has a better SEC record than Carolina; (2) Vanderbilt has fewer losses total; (3) Vanderbilt's losses have both been road games, while 2-of-3 of USC's were in Columbia; and (4) Vanderbilt beat South Carolina, for the second year in a row. Though the Commodores lost to the Dawgs this weekend, they discovered that they had an offense, and one that was capable of both running and throwing the ball (114 v. 131 yards respectively). True, this is Vanderbilt's third consecutive game that they've only managed to score 14 points, but 14 against that UGA defense makes me feel a lot better than scoring only 14 against Mississippi State. Surely, surely Duke cannot muster the sort of defensive threat that Georgia did. And if not, that magical number (you know, the one between five and seven) awaits the Commodores. Last week: no. 5 (same).

6. South Carolina 5-3 (2-3)

The Gamecocks hung with LSU, but Les Miles found a way to will his Tigers to victory on the road in Columbia. The Gamecocks get an open date to rest up and prepare for the Vawls' trip to South Cackalacky, and I am sure that Spurrier is going to have them ready to face the Vawls. What an intriguing game that has the potential to be: depending on which Yew Tee team shows up in Neyland Stadium when the Tide rolls into Knoxville, the Gamecocks either have no hope or a great chance. Honestly, I like their chances, because I don't think Tennessee has their act together yet. Last week: no. 6 (same).

7. Kentucky 5-2 (1-2)

A great win for the Wildcats, and their first SEC win of the year. Despite the fact that their record is better than South Carolina, I had to leave them behind the Gamecocks. A trip to Gainesville could be exciting, but it could also get ugly quickly. I do not think that UK is on par with LSU, and the Gators certainly gave the Tigers all they wanted and more. I see a close game, followed by a gradual fade in the second half (a la Vanderbilt, really). Still, I think the Wildcats will get the .500 season to go bowl eligible with games against State, Vandy, and Yew Tee being their most winnable remaining. Last week: no. 7 (same).

8. Ole Miss 3-4 (1-3)

The Rebels' comeback against Alabama fell just short, and they slipped a little further away from their first bowl game in 5 years. It's so easy to pull for this team, though, isn't it? Houston Nutt is as entertaining in Blue and Red as he ever was in Red and White, and you can tell that the Ole Miss faithful appreciate the competitiveness he's brought to their team in his very first year. If Arkansas was coming to Oxford, I'd say victory was a sure thing. Going to Fayetteville, with the Pigs perhaps sensing some vulnerability, means that it's probably more like a toss-up. Including Arkansas, though, the Colonel and his troops still have 4 winnable games: Ark., Auburn, La. Monroe, and Miss. State. Last week: no. 8 (same).

9. Tennessee 3-4 (1-3)

Two turnovers by the Bulldogs helped the Vawls look impressive in the ticker-crawl, but how much improvement has Yew Tee really made? The Big Arnge will certainly get an opportunity to gauge their progress against the incoming Alabama Crimson Tide. I can't see this mistake-prone team getting it done against the best team in the conference. But, then again, Stephens looked a lot more comfortable under center, and it's the Third Saturday in October: anything is possible (not to mention the fact that Fulmer would get to keep his job if he beats 'Bama, right?). Last week: no. 12 (+3).

10. Auburn 4-3 (2-3)

The War-Eagling Tigers had a week to try to pick up the pieces of their plummeting season and prepare for a trip to Morgantown, W. Va. You know, I'm sure when this game was scheduled, it looked to be a marquee match-up that was sure to draw huge attention. Now, sadly, it looks like an opportunity to give a weaker conference a victory over an SEC team. I am really going to hate listening to people talk about how overrated our conference is if the Mountaineers beat the Orange and Blue on national television. At the same time, a win could help the Tigers show some signs of life. Last week: no. 10 (same).

11. Arkansas 3-4 (1-3)

You know your conference is strong when even your weak teams are still 3-4. The Pigs had a great chance to eek out a win on the Bluegrass, but they couldn't get it done. They have another opportunity when the Rebels invade Fayetteville this week. You can see the weekly improvement in this team, but Ole Miss has also had some great games this year. Is this one on television? It could be one of the most entertaining all day. Last week: no. 9 (-2).

12. Mississippi State 2-5 (1-3)

I guess beating Vanderbilt was the Bulldog's upset of the season. They should pick up win number 3 against the Blue Raiders of Middle Teasy this week, but then again, that's the rub when playing Mitsoo: you're "supposed" to win. A win is expected, and a loss will wreck your season quicker than a blocked field goal ending your team's first chance for a bowl in 24 years (sigh). Last week: no. 11 (-1).

Between the Hedges, Running Diary

2008-10-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Jared Hawkins pounded out 4.8 yards per carry and added 23 receiving yards in Vandy's losing effort. Photo by Associated Press.

I thought I’d mix it up on the blog and write a running diary for the big game today against Georgia. Three things I’m eager to see: (1) Mackenzi Adams' performance at quarterback, (2) our defense’s ability to contain Georgia’s explosive offense, (3) whether we throw the ball more or continue to run run run. I really think we can hold them under 28 points – but can we score more than that?

All times are Pacific Daylight because, well, that's where I'm watching.

9:30am - We are LIVE between the hedges in Athens, Georgia for homecoming. Is there a better football stadium nickname than “between the hedges”?

9:31 - Of course there is – that was a dumb question. I’d say there are two better nicknames in this league with “Death Valley” and “The Swamp.”

9:35 - The gold pants! When was the last time Vandy didn’t wear all white on the road? Maybe South Carolina last year? Probably could have achieved a better color match between the gold pants and the gold helmet though.

9:36 - We are underway in Athens. Ruff. Ruff Ruff. Vandy starts on the 30.

9:38 - Sean Walker end around. Hawkins off tackle and a first down! That was easy. Six more to tie last week’s effort.

9:40 - So much for renewed confidence in the passing game with Mac under center. Five rushing plays for 19.5 yards and a punt. Throw the ball!

9:43 - Georgia is across the 50 on their drive. And now inside the 30 after a big run by Moreno. I don’t want to overreact because we’ve struggled holding our opponents on their first drive seemingly every week (remember Auburn?). But we also haven’t played an offense nearly as good as Georgia’s…

9:46 - Bend; don’t break. I firmly believe that our defensive philosophy is to allow the other team to move the ball so long as it happens in small increments. If they’re going to score, they really have to earn it with a long sustained drive. Plus it shortens the game and gives us a better chance to have it close at the end. It's a vintage Bobby approach - if you ever need to predict what Bobby will do, just think of the most conservative tactic there is. He’s like Goldwater.

9:47 - Wide left!

9:51 - Georgia’s red circle SEC logo doesn’t have the contrasting colored border like the other 11 schools. Special treatment.

9:52 - DJ Moore is such a playmaker! Love the end around. I feel like it’s been a few games since he’s contributed on offense.

9:52 - Pass complete to Sean Walker. 1 for 1. And the next play is play action going deep (yes!) and Mac dumps it off to Hawkins. 2 for 2. Liking it.

9:55 - I still can’t get over how strange it is to see Jeff Jennings playing for Vanderbilt again. The career arc of a college player is that you see them for a few years and then they leave. Jeff did that – he was playing back with Jay Cutler – but now after a year off he’s come back. It's just feels like he graduated and now returned. Sems out of place with all these other guys.

9:55 - In the same vein, Chris Nickson and George Smith also seem out of place to me.

9:56 - Tough pick for Mac on the tipped ball. That was a nice drive we had going. I’m always a big proponent of the passing game, but sometimes it’s like Woody Hayes said – when you throw the ball one of three things can happen and two of them are bad. Tough break.

9:59 - Big pass play down to the 17 for Georgia. That’s a 49 yard completion. What’s the longest play Vandy has allowed this year? Maybe from the Rice game? I think Miami had a long run…

10:01am - Touchdown Georgia. That was a great catch by AJ Green. Dawgs 7, Dores 0.

10:03 - Seventy yards on four plays in two minutes. Atypical for a Vandy defense.

10:09 - Two runs, a bad pass and it’s punt time for VU. Georgia’s averaging 10.8 yards per play.

10:09 - Announcer just said we’re 116 in the country in passing. So who’s worse? Georgia Tech? Navy?

10:11 - I think we’re at 6 Hampton Inn ads to 5 Vandy passing plays. Smart move Tracy.

10:13 - Georgia swings and misses on the quick snap to trap Vandy offside. Getting a little too cute. But we let them convert on third down anyway.

10:14 - Second long pass attempt and they almost completed this one as well. Other teams have tried going deep on us this year; what makes Georgia different is a QB who can actually throw that deep.

10:16 - What a pick by DJ! That was an incredible catch over the shoulder! Too bad we’re starting inside the five.

10:18 - And another three and out for the Vandy offense. Play Chris Nickson! He's the answer.

10:19 - First shot of the new Uga. Much uglier than Uga IV was.

10:21 - Following up on my earlier question, according to ESPN Vandy is actually 117th in passing yards per game. And 118th is Air Force, 119th is Navy, and 120th is Army. These colors do run.

10:21 - On the rushing side for yards per game, Navy is 2nd, Air Force is 5th, and Army is 10th. Vandy? 52nd. And we're #22 in the country.

10:25 - Another Hampton Inn ad! I think we’re averaging one per commercial break. We have Doctor J for Dr. Pepper, Pioneer, Sling Box, and Toyota Tundra as advertisers. Pretty sure that’s the comprehensive list.

10:28 - First down Jared Hawkins! And a great block from George Smith. Do it again.

10:29 - Another pass. 3 of the 4 plays on the drive.

10:32 - Jamie Graham with the first down! Love it. Now if we can just get him wearing the same number for both sports...

10:33 - Mac’s jump ball goes to Georgia. The guy was open when he released it, but come on – you can’t give them a chance like that.

10:35 - Another big run my Moreno. I think the goal at this point is to be down 7-0 at the half.

10:37 - Touchdown Bulldogs. “And boy did that look easy” quips the announcer. Vandy’s now down 14 with no signs of offensive production.

10:40 - Josh Allen takes the kick-off. Is he third on the kick return depth chart? Why no Gaston Miller?

10:42 - Adams pass incomplete to Asher Allen. 3rd down.

10:42 - Scramble for a first down. I love the way Mac runs. He takes those long strides and looks so frantic. It works.

10:44 - Big break on the pass interference penalty and then Georgia almost gets another pick on a tipped ball. It would be very nice to score right here.

10:48 - Alright! A justified pass interference call for a first down and a BIG catch by Jamie Graham! Brings down the rebound and we’re trailing by 7 with 22 seconds in the half. Very big score to keep this game close.

10:50 - And we head to the half! If Vandy can restrict the big plays (and the turnovers!) in the second half we have a very good chance. It’s seemed more one sided, but we have 154 yards. Hanging in there.

--- Halftime Break ---

Jamie Graham catching his first of two touchdowns against the Bulldogs of Georgia. Photo by Tennessean.

11:20am - Well, I missed the first few minutes of the second half and just saw the reversed touchdown run. Wuh-oh. Glancing at the play-by-play I see that it was big plays again.

11:22 - Is there a more obtrusive graphic in all of sports than the Honda Generator Red Zone Report?

11:23 - Touchdown Moreno. Hampton Inn. Doctor J. Toyota truck. Pioneer television. And we’re back.

11:31 - Chris Nickson in at quarterback! QB keeper! Nope – fumbled snap. Punt time. Maybe after the game Bobby should ask Mark Richt about that David Greene, DJ Shockley rotation he used for three years. Worked pretty well for them.

11:32 - And Georgia takes the fair catch at the 4 yard line. For being so talented, Georgia sure makes some dumb mistakes. Most penalized team in the country, right?

11:34 - Big pass interference on third down by Myron Lewis to keep the drive alive. That would have been a significant three and out.

11:36 - Yes! Interception on the tipped ball! Stafford to Billinger to Lewis. And Diezba on TV shaking his shaker.

11:38 - We just miss a pass play down the sideline and then Hawkins runs into the line. Big third down here.

11:38 - First and ten George Smith! Nice pass by Mac. First down and goal to go.

11:39 - Jamie Graham!! WOW!! That was gorgeous! And perfect placement by Mackenzi Adams. Down seven again.

11:40 - That was a really great catch.

11:45 - King swallowed up by Reshard Langford on the toss sweep! Three and out.

11:46 - Just noticed that Maryland is up big on Wake Forest. You think Vandy is inconsistent – Maryland lost to MTSU and Virginia while beating #25 Cal, Clemson, and now #21 Wake Forest.

11:47 - Pass interference – automatic first down for Vandy!

11:48 - You reach a point in a game like this when it doesn’t feel like you’re trailing anymore. Like after JD Drew’s homerun on Thursday. Or like the Auburn game after Wheeler’s touchdown. This Georgia crowd is getting quiet.

11:49 - Uhh, and then Mac throws incomplete into the Georgia guy’s chest. So much for that. Instead of going for it on their 30ish we just miss downing it at the one and Georgia gets a touchback.

11:55 - End of the third quarter!

11:56 - Second Hampton Inn ad of the commercial break. Whatever the over/under was, we are now way over.

12:03pm - Another three and out. One thing distinctive about Raycom’s presentation is that they zoom real tight on the punters. Kinda odd – you’ll never see a block or a fake coming.

12:06 - Punt time again for Georgia! 11:47 remaining in the game. Time to get moving, Dores.

12:11 - J Hawk! As much as I hated our offensive balance early, we have been completely unpredictable since the second quarter. And it’s producing results.

12:11 - And even more unpredictable was that Mac to Walker to Graham to Mac to the turf play. That one didn’t work.

12:13 - Just saw ‘Rambo’ on the Georgia sideline. There ya go. Ken-Yon’s brother maybe?

12:14 - Third and eleven and I’m predicting a QB draw. Nope! Incomplete after we can’t pick-up the blitz. 8:39 left. Running low on time.

12:15 - Brett Upson is so valuable to this team. He has done this his whole career – he’s just incredibly skilled at killing punts inside the 20. Georgia gets it at the 5.

12:18 - Moreno out to the 19. So much for that. Georgia’s offensive line sure doesn’t seem ravaged by injuries. Any chance the back-ups at Georgia are pretty talented as well?

12:20 - Oh man, Georgia’s out past the 50 now. This game looked so in reach a few minutes ago with our defense making big stops. Our offense on the other hand…

12:25 - Another first down and 4:24 left in the game. And they’re in field goal range. This one might be over.

12:29 - Alright, Stafford throws it out of bounds with 2:56 remaining. He probably should have just taken the sack or even run out of bounds (new clock rules). Now block that kick!

12:30 - Ok! The upright blocks the kick and there’s still a pulse. Three minutes to go, one timeout, and eighty yards to tie. Let’s go!

12:31 - Six yard pass across the middle.

12:31 - Bobbled by Brandon Barden and barely not intercepted. Whoa. Third down.

12:32 - Sprint out pass, incomplete to Sean Walker. Fourth down.

12:33 - Pass caught by Jamie Graham! At the line!

12:33 - And it looks like he’s just short. Turnover on downs. Game over.

12:34 - This marks the second week in a row that Vandy's had the ball with a chance for a two minute drive that could win the game. And both times we've failed to deliver a single first down. This offense is bad - the problems don't end with Chris Nickson.

12:38 - The Georgia kicker makes the kick and we’re down 10 with 17 seconds left. Another close loss.

---

Well, it’s a tough loss because it was certainly winnable. Vandy had chances – and a gift with the ball and three minutes left – but we just couldn’t get the consistent offense to win.

But Georgia is a very good team. They are one of the elite teams in the county and one of the few who still has a chance at winning the national championship. (By my count: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, USC, and Penn State). We looked dramatically better than last week – and while Mac wasn’t great, he did alright. And our defense is the real deal.

Now it's time to get ready for next week's homecoming, bowl eligibility celebration against Duke. We’re 5-2 (3-2) and firmly in the upper middle class of the SEC with Kentucky, Carolina, and Auburn. This week was the mildest of setbacks - we're still in great position.

Commodores travel to Athens with familiar friends hope and fear

2008-10-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

As the Vanderbilt Commodores travel to Athens, Ga. to take on the University of Georgia Bulldogs, they'll have familiar traveling companions: expectations and apprehension about whether this is really, finally "the" year.Photo by Diezba, Star & Stripe.

Against my better judgment, I paid the ridiculous price for a ticket to this game (seriously, you know that BNV is real when you start looking at some of the scalping prices for our tickets this year -- one unintended consequence of our success: ticket scarcity), and I'm getting ready to head down to Georgia this afternoon.

As I look forward to the game, I have that classic mix of Vanderfan emotions: hope and fear.

Hope, because I like the Commodores in situations like these: We're around a 14-point underdog, we just lost to the second- or third-worst team in the conference, we showed an incredibly anemic offensive effort in a loss to a lesser opponent, and we're playing a team with SEC Championship aspirations who'll probably be looking ahead at a trip to Baton Rouge.

I guess that there's just something built into the Vanderpsyche (perhaps all those years of losing seasons will do it?) that makes us feel more at home with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Don't you feel the same way? It's as though the pressure's off, and opportunity is knocking.

Now I know these aren't the thought-patterns that a fan of BNV should be having. But let's face it, folks: the team may be BNV, but I was raised during the reign of SOV. Those old habits are hard to break, and part of me wants the security blanket of "well, we weren't supposed to win, so it's ok."

But it doesn't seem fair to this team, not this year, to have an attitude like that. It's like Thomas Stinson writes: "winning, in its perverse way, only makes losing worse."

I know I felt a lot worse about last Saturday's loss to Mississippi State that I did the last time we lost to the Bulldogs from Starkville.

Of course, I'm a true Vanderbilt alumnus and fan, and so for me hope goes on. It doesn't matter that Coach Richt and his players are saying all the right things about how much they respect Vanderbilt and remember the Commodores' last trip to Athens.

That's just the football-version of political correctness. One is not allowed to openly and non-subtly trash-talk one's opponent unless one wears a visor and once coached in the National Football League (I'm looking at you, Steve).

No, I just can't believe that after all these years of smug superiority, the folks at Georgia, or at any of the State U.'s we face week in and week out, are ready to deal with a world where Vanderbilt really is the no. 22 team in the country.

I believe that these Dawgs and their fans live in the same world as the sportswriters and bloggers who kept saying, as the season went deeper and the 'Dores kept winning, that this week would see the natural order restored and Vanderbilt brought "back to reality."

And that brings us to my fear.

The question that has plagued me since our "Crooming" last week is this: what if reality for us really is that perpetual teetering on the edge of success that we've experienced over the past few years? What if they're all right, that we really can't win in the SEC with the types of players that we have and the academic standards that we maintain?

What if, despite pouring resources, emotion, and sheer faith into this program (not to mention an historic 5-0 start), we still end up with a losing season?

That's the dark specter who'll be haunting my thoughts as I drive down to Georgia tonight.

Ultimately, the reason that we all invest so much of our time, money, and energy into following a team like Vanderbilt is because we want to believe -- and we want it badly! -- that a team like the Commodores can succeed. That doing things the "right" way will pay off.

I do not know what the outcome will be when the clock hits 00:00 at Sanford Stadium tomorrow afternoon. But I will be there, wearing gold, waving my shaker, and loudly singing "Dynamite!" when we score.

And I won't be alone, either. Sitting right beside me at the game? My good friends -- and long-time Vanderbilt season ticket-holders -- hope and fear.

Vanderbilt-Georgia preview: by the LOLcats?

2008-10-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

The cats have a good point: Georgia could overlook the Commodores with their trip to LSU looming next week.Photo by Doug, Hey Jenny Slater Blog.

Earlier this year, Vanderbilt did well with a celebrity analyzing our game against Auburn on ESPN's College GameDay (and who would have thought that die-hard Big Arnge Kenny "I think I'm Jimmy Buffet" Chesney would pick the 'Dores over the War-Eagling Tigers?).

SEC blogger Hey Jenny Slater (whose pseudo-esoteric name is hilarious in its own right) has a weekly feature that calls on a different sort of celebrity to weigh in with their thoughts on the game this week.

I don't necessarily agree with the feline forecasters and their assessment of how the game will shake out, but I did laugh out loud when I read through this.

Let's hope for another "EPIC FAIL."

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Seven

2008-10-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, here's just how important S&S's SEC Power Rankings are (this year, at least).

Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 6-0 (3-0)

Despite their open date and Florida's impressive win over LSU, I still think the Tide are the team to beat in the SEC. Plus, their trip to Atlanta only has one really difficult stop: Baton Rouge (and it's looking less difficult every week). Last week: no. 1 (same).

2. Georgia 5-1 (2-1)

The Dawgs' only loss is to power-house Alabama, and their win over South Carolina is looking better and better. I still think UGA's win in Tempe really helps my perception of them as well. I was tempted to leave LSU ahead of Georgia, but i think that at least as we stand right now, UGA has better quality wins than LSU does (So. Carolina, Ariz. State, and Tenn. for Georgia versus LSU's Auburn and Miss. State wins). As for Florida, yes they demolished LSU (and looked to be in old form in doing so), but that's really their only quality win. And the Gators lost to Ole Miss in the Swamp (I know, it was a "fluke," but still, Ole Miss is not Alabama, Georgia's one loss). Last week: no. 3 (+1).

3. Florida 5-1 (3-1)

Honestly, I think LSU has better wins, but you can't rank a team higher when they've beaten the other one. At the same time, the Tebow we saw against the Bayou Bengals was much closer to Super-Heisman-Tebow from last year. The Gators still have the Cocktail Party and the feisty Fighting Roosters (though I think they should handle upstart Spurrier since it's in Gainesville), but LSU still has 'Bama. The Gators' will only meet the 'Tide this year if it's in Atlanta. Last week: no. 5 (+2).

4. LSU 5-1 (2-1)

I almost put Vanderbilt ahead of LSU, but then I remembered we both played Missisippi State and the Tigers won. Still, though, I like the Commodores' quality wins over LSU's (compare them yourself: LSU beat Appy State, Troy, N. Tex., Auburn, and Miss. State -- only one road win; VU beat Miami (Ohio), So. Carolina, Rice, Ole Miss, and Auburn -- and two of those wins were on the road). Still, I think the Tigers have a better shot of finishing out ahead, and (again) when comparing head-to-head teams-beaten, LSU wins over the 'Dores. Last week: no. 2 (-2).

5. Vanderbilt 5-1 (3-1)

The Commodores got upset, but so did Florida (and look where the Gators are now). OK, OK, so Vanderbilt isn't Florida. But, the Commodores have shown scrap this year, and I don't think it's time to count them out yet. They need a win soon, though. Beating Georgia sure would put some scratch on that Mississippi State itch, wouldn't it? Probably won't happen. And then the Duke game becomes a must-win scenario. I do not like the implications of that (we don't generally do well in must-win-or-die situations, now do we). Still, the odds are on Vandy's side with 6 games remaining: all we have to do is win 1 (and we haven't gone on a six-game losing streak since 2005 -- the year we started 4-0: our 5-0 start may save our butts this year). Last week: no. 4 (-1).

6. South Carolina 5-2 (2-2)

The Gamecocks sure look better this week after their win in Lexington. Spurrier has a little four-game streak going, and the folks in Columbia are (sort of) starting to believe again. Maybe Darth Visor hasn't lost his mojo? Hosting LSU will tell us just how far they've come -- I still think Arky is their best chance to go bowling. Last week: no. 6 (same).

7. Kentucky 4-2 (0-2)

I didn't want to put the Wildcats here, because one can see the beginning of what could be an ugly trend: Big Blue wins its first four (non-conference) games and then hits an ugly wall when the SEC season starts. However, the 'Cats host Arkansas this week, and I don't think that the Hogs' win on the Plains will translate into a streak when they land in the bluegrass. UK still has Florida (in Gainesville) and Georgia (in Lexington) ahead, but a bowl is still very much in the works for the 'Cats. Last week: no. 8 (+1).

8. Ole Miss 3-3 (1-2)

A week off for Nutt and his Rebs to prepare for 'Bama means that Saban had better be feverishly studying that Florida game film. I don't think Ole Miss has to beat Alabama, but that sure would go a long way toward helping this program, teetering on the edge of success, into finding it for sure. Even if they don't, however, Ole Miss has a bowling shot if they can pick off Arkansas and Miss. State (assuming they beat La. Monroe). Last week: no. 9 (+1).

9. Arkansas 3-3 (1-3)

Well that win over Auburn sure does help the Hogs look a lot, lot better, doesn't it? A game in Lexington this week should be close if the Hogs can muster the sort of game they played on the Plains. Otherwise, it may look more like their trip to Austin (UK, after all, can score quite a bit). Still, though, the Razorbacks have a very favorable schedule for the remainder of the year: Ky., Miss., Tulsa, So. Carolina, Miss. State, and LSU. I see at least 4 winnable games there; I wouldn't count them out against South Carolina completely. And who knows? Even LSU could be vulnerable by the end of the year -- and the game's in Little Rock. Last week: no. 12 (+3).

10. Auburn 4-3 (2-3)

So I recognize that Auburn has a better record than Mississippi, but here's my logic: the Rebs have a legit shot at making a bowl, and they're a team on the up-swing. Auburn could legitimately have a losing season, and their game against West Virginia is not going to be pretty. We'll see how they do on their trips to Oxford and Morgantown, but aside from Tennessee-Martin (that's right, UT Martin), the War-Eagling Tigers don't have any "sure wins" left on their schedule. And folks, if UT Martin is their only win from here on out, then that's 5 wins. No bowl for you. Last week: no. 7 (-3).

11. Mississippi State 2-4 (1-2)

Well, everyone predicted that upset of the soaring Commodores, but that's the Bulldogs' only quality win. I think that if the Dawgs were hosting the Big Orange in Starkville, they'd have another chance at an SEC win. With the game in Knoxville, though, and with the Vawls in straight-up Red Alert Terror Threat, I don't know if they can pull it off (Yew Tee did keep the game in Athens interesting, and I do not know that State could do that). I'm afraid that the Bulldogs won't be making it to a bowl this year, because in order to do so, they'd have to win out (Yew Tee, Middle Teasy, Ky., Ala., Ark., and Miss.). It's doable, but not by this team this year (then again, 6-6 is possible with wins over Tenn., Middle Tenn., Ark., and Miss.). Last week: no. 11 (same).

12. Tennessee 2-4 (0-3)

Dead last in the Southeastern Conference are your Tennessee Volunteers! No matter how Vanderbilt does with the rest of the season, there's a good chance that if nothing else, we'll finish higher than Yew Tee this year, and get to enjoy schadenfreude until next August. I think Neyland Stadium will overawe the Dawgs (from Starkville) this week, but the only "sure win" left on the slate for Phat Phil are the Wyoming Cowboys in Knoxville: Miss. State, Ala., S. Carolina, Wyo., Vanderbilt, and Ky. Last week: no. 10 (-2).

Naval Intelligence: Despite lingering doubts, still hope for Vanderbilt's season

2008-10-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt struggled to get its offense moving against Mississippi State, but the Commodore defense was one silver lining in the loss.AP Photo.

What a difference one game can make.

We predicted a tough game here on S&S, but ultimately, when it came down to the game, we believed that Vanderbilt would accomplish its eighty-year feat in a win over Mississippi State.

So much for that.

But even as we look at the aftermath of an ugly loss, there is plenty of silver lining:

► Despite the loss, VU remained in the Top 25 for the fourth consecutive week -- the longest ranked streak in Vanderbilt history;

► The Commodores are 5-1, their best start since 1941 (that team, under Red Sanders, finished 8-2); and

► We finally have a starting quarterback.

One does not envy the team against whom the Commodores are expected to mount their rebound -- the Georgia Bulldogs are also 5-1, and they just finished a convincing (if not dominating) win over the Tennessee Volunteers.

As Vanderbilt prepares for their trip to Athens, the mood in Commodore Country, despite our impressive start, is eerily similar to the recriminations that swirled after our loss to Auburn last year: a game that was supposed to be so full of promise ended in ignominity.

Of course, we all know what happened after that loss.

Hope and fear abound today, and that's what's making news in Commodore Country:

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes is like Jim Carey in that bad movie about conspiracies and numbers, except for Commodore fans, it's the number "6."

Dimon went to Starkville, and despite the fans' gracious welcome, Davis-Wade had Dante-esque torture in store for him and his boys (and let me tell you: there's nothing more annoying than the cowbells combined with State's band's obsession with playing "Hail State" and derivatives thereof -- you think the Yew Tee band is bad about playing "Rocky Top" too much? go to Starkville: you'll have "duh... da duh daaaaaaa" stuck in your head for weeks -- indeed, as I write, the cursed song still plays in my head, and I didn't even make it to Starkvegas this year).

Despite the loss, we're still no. 22/23 in the polls (and 5th in the SEC, as far as national polls go).

Surprisingly, we're also still projected to go to a relatively big-time bowl (I mean, after that game, I'm questioning winning season, let alone a bowl at all).

Dimon kicks off our pro-Mac, anti-Chris article section (and, to be honest, it's more of a "Why-the-heck-didn't-BoJo-or-TeCa-take-Chris-out-earlier" section).

PhilipVU94 also wants to know why Chris was still in, but he also has some reassuring words (and makes fun of some Vanderfans' overreaction with his funny headline).

Lindsey Rutledge piles it on a bit thick when it comes to bashing the leave-Nickson-in-decision (but her statistics are rather persuasive).

Maurice Patton says the QBs depend on the defense and that Mac's great numbers (as cited by Lindsey, above), are the product of "desperation offense" against Ole Miss, Auburn, and Miss. State (but really, was the Ole Miss situation desperation offense? I seem to recall that we were, well, rather conservative -- imagine that! -- in our play-calling there toward the end).

Rob Robinson lays blame and credit with BoJo for both our excellent start and the don't-put-Mac-in-yet decision (I believe Rob is forgetting that we still have 6 games to play, though).

Jesus Quintana was pithy in his assessment of the game against State.

Stanimal looks at whether BoJo would leave for Clemson, and whether Clemson would want him in the first place (answer: maybe and probably).

Bobby O'Shea's soothing words helped calm me down and his order not to utter the dreaded acronym is also reassuring (I guess here's at least one person who'still buying my "BNV" argument).

Jarred Amato looks closely at BoJo's decision to start Mac Adams, and he has some very interesting quotes from Vanderbilt center, Brad Vierling (Jarred, do you know all these guys, or what?).

Jarred joins Bobby O'Shea in nipping any ideas of SOV in the bud, but he's honest enough to ask whether the glass, after the State game, is half-full or half-empty (I could guess the result of the poll before I voted, though, Jarred: Commodore fans are optimists, otherwise we wouldn't be Commodore fans, now would we?).

Give Chris Low credit: he predicted our upset in Starkville, but he still has us ranked no. 5 in the SEC and finding some success later this year (and, if Mac Adams is as much of a spark as Brad Vierling thinks, then maybe Chris is right).

T. Kyle King dropped us to no. 18 in his poll, but he is still impressed with our win over what is appearing to be a very good South Carolina team (basically, he attributes our loss to "just how much SEC teams chew one another up" in conference play).

David Rutz reports on BoJo's defense of Chris Nickson, and it's interesting to read this in light of coach's announcement yesterday that Mac would be starting (was this, to use a political analogy, BoJo's effort's to give Nickson a "spend more time with his family" justification on the way out?).

Maurice Patton brings back the obsession with 6, as he discusses the difficult row the Commodores have to hoe if they're going to make it to a bowl (it's a good thing we've got 6 games ahead of us, too).

Matt Wilson sees VU exercising selective memory: remember the good things, forget the bad ones (you know, that's what most Vanderbilt fans do anyway, otherwise we'd all go insane!).

The Vanderbilt Hustler grades the Commodores, and they earn a 2.06 GPA (roughly a C).

The Tennessean also grades the State game, and they give the 'Dores a 1.75 GPA (C-).

Fitsnews gloats that they were right about Mississippi State beating us (though they do have a poignant picture of Coach Sylvester Croom with his arm around Chris Nickson -- almost like he's consoling him).

David Climer even says it's too early to say SOV, one more sign that the apocalypse is imminent (of course, if Joe Biddle had said it, I would have immediately ran to church and started praying, because Jesus would be coming in less than 24 hours).

Hey Jenny Slater drops VU to no. 23 nationally and tell us to delete his number out of our cell phone (he's breaking up with us).

Even after the debacle in Starkville, Mr. SEC picks us to go 7-5 this season (despite his pre-season 4-8 pick).

Somebody said that Auburn got Johnsoned last week, and this week it was our turn to get Croomed.

Three Down: Quarterback Change

2008-10-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Chris Nickson has been removed as Vanderbilt's starting QB in favor of Mackenzi Adams. Photo by Tennessean.

There's nothing that gets a fan base riled up quite like a quarterback controversy. Some thoughts from the weekend:

Nickson and Mackenzi. I've always been a huge Chris Nickson fan. Before this season I was the one arguing that he was the key to the year - that he gave Vandy it's best chance of winning.

But after watching the last two games I can't imagine anyone thinking Adams shouldn't be the starter.

On the year, Vandy has run 341 plays. If you count sacks as passing plays instead of running plays (which the NFL does but the NCAA does not), Vandy has run 118 passing plays and 223 rushing plays. That's 35% passing and 65% rushing.

In 2005, Jay's senior year, we threw the ball on 56% of all plays (and that's without correcting for sacks, so the ratio should actually be higher). In 2006 it dropped to 47%. In 2007 it dropped to 42%. And now in 2008 it's down to 35%. Instead of the offensive staff gaining confidence in Chris and his throwing ability as he's matured, they seem to be losing it.

Clearly, we are throwing the ball less this year. Chris Nickson is 13th in the 12 team SEC in passing attempts. And he's outside the top 12 in completions, completion percentage, and QB rating. I would say that there's convincing evidence that either (a) Chris Nickson can't throw the ball well enough to be an SEC quarterback, or (b) the coaching staff doesn't have enough confidence in him to find out. He's a great runner - second in the league in rushing TD's behind Knowshon Moreno, ninth in carries, 13th in average despite those seven sacks - but that's probably not enough to beat great teams.

There's a lot hidden in the game of football from a commoner like me - was that a bad play call, or a bad route, or a bad read, etc. - but one thing that is clear is that Adams is more likely to complete forward passes than Chris Nickson. As Bobby J mentioned today in naming Adams the starter, "Mackenzi has demonstrated he can sit in the pocket and figure things out and see who's open and do a good job of hitting them." Sounds good to me.

Time to get off the bench, Mac - you're the new starting quarterback for #22 Vanderbilt. Photo by Tennessean.

Steady Eddie. Do you realize that Vanderbilt has improved it's average margin of victory (well, more typically defeat) in each of Bobby J's seven seasons?

2002: -10.8 points
2003: -10.3 points
2004: -6.7 points
2005: -2.0 points
2006: -1.7 points
2007: -0.9 points
2008: +8.2 points

The 2008 number will likely go down after we play Florida and Georgia, but that's still an impressive trend. Restricted to SEC games the progress hasn't been as steady - -15, -17, -10, -6, -9, -7, +6 - but that's still change I can believe in.

Big Six. In surprising fashion, Vanderbilt lost an opportunity to go 6-0 by losing to Mississippi State at Scott Field. But under Bobby Johnson Vanderbilt has lost the sixth game of the season every season. Starting in 2002 with a loss to MTSU, we've lost at State, at Georgia, vs LSU, at Ole Miss, vs Georgia, and at State.

And some of those are the worst losses in the Bobby J era (which should be a column we do, Diezba). There's last year's Georgia game which, save for CJG's fumble, was a game Vandy had already won. The Ole Miss game in 2006 when Vanderbilt had 400 yards to Ole Miss' 179 and still found a way to lose (four lost fumbles will do that). And then that MTSU game in 2002 which was the only game of Jay Cutler's career that he didn't start. Who was more at fault, Benji Walker or those taunting blue lights?

I used to have a theory regarding the "Weekend Before Fall Break" game, but this sixth game effect might be greater. (We beat South Carolina during the Weekend Before Fall Break last year).

So who is on tap for Game 6 in 2009? The Black Knights of Army on the road at West Point. Upset alert.

Naval Intelligence: Despite favorite status, Dores see tough fight against State

2008-10-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt may be a favorite in its Oct. 11 SEC cross-division game against Mississippi State in Starkville, but the 'Dores say they're preparing for this game with just as much focus and intensity as they had against then-no. 13 Auburn. Photo by Neil Brake, VU Athletics.

Only two days until the Commodores can prove that BNV is truly here against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. And that's what's making news in Commodore Country today:

Dimon Kendrick-Jones wonders if we'll always be an underdog in the eyes of Vegas and the media (you'd think, as the Who Ya With guys have pointed out several times, that Vegas would be tired of paying out on us -- we are 5-0 against the spread, after all).

Dimon also looks at one of the oldest SEC traditions: firing your coach after losing to Vanderbilt (I still can't believe that Tuberville fired Franklin).

Dimon's co-worker doesn't think our game with UGA will get much respect from the TV people (I hope it's ESPN, I don't want to have to get up early).

Dimon is rocking and rolling today, putting out an analysis of Croom's comments about the similarities between Vanderbilt this year and Mississippi State last year (the one, gigantic difference that no one's talking about? Croom did it with typical SEC State U., 14-on-my-ACT players; BoJo's doing it with Vandykids).

One more sign of Vanderbilt's progress under BoJo: only 2 of our 18 freshmen have taken off their red-shirts (this is part of the reason we're doing so well with such "inexperienced" players -- even though they're red-shirting, they're still getting experience and wisdom from the older players -- not to mention learning our system).

Jarred Amato must be Mr. Popularity with the football team, because he scores an interview with yet another Commodore stand-out, this time George Smith (as in team captain and starting receiver George Washington Smith III -- what a cool name, by the way).

Jarred also checks the stats tallied by the 'Dores 'n Dawgs so far (I think the scoring offense/defense statistics really play well in our favor, and belie the close game Vegas -- and a lot of predictors -- keep seeing for Saturday).

I've been telling you what a great writer Jarred is, and now Sports Illustrated has given him a national stage with this piece on SI.com (but Jarred, I don't understand why you picked "Dores Descending" for your title -- aren't we ascending right now?).

Jarred interviews Chris Marve in another C&P exclusive.

Can you tell that Jarred is currently around his computer alot thanks to his bum knee? Here he analyzes the Vanderbilt coaching staff to explain why each one deserves credit.

The Goon Squad close up, in yet another piece by young Mr. Amato (for those of you who don't know, this guy's a student at VU).

Dennis Dodd is a jerk (that's about all you can say about this piece of crap).

CBS Sports isn't paying close attention, otherwise, they wouldn't have predicted Vanderbilt playing Wake in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (really? a re-match for a bowl game? boring...).

Jesus Quintana rails against CBS Sports for the Dodd baloney and the weird bowl prediction (these guys always crack me up).

Chris Low must have gotten in trouble with the ESPN editorial people for buying into the Vanderhype, because he picks State to win, 17-21 (either that, or he really does think this is a trap game for the 'Dores).

Chris Talbott previews the State offense and how Vanderbilt will try to stop it (with a great quote from Patrick Benoist).

Brad Locke has more on the Croom love for VU, along with a look what why it might be that Sylvester admires BoJo so much (could it have to do with the fact that Croom knows just how much more difficult the VU job is?).

Maurice Patton tells us exactly which little things Vandy's been doing to win this season (turns out, it's things we haven't done in a long, long time).

David Rutz notebooks the Dores, with some great points about our quarterback situation, the businesslike manner the Dores have assumed at practice this week, and the awards our Defense has picked up.

Matt Wilson has more on the QB situation, along with BoJo's reaction to playing Miss. State (hint = it's a lot like Croom's).

Travis Haney starts a new feature in the Charleston, S.C. daily newspaper: Vandy Watch. He also reports that a Charleston radio DJ has sworn not to shave until the Dores lose (how cool is it that out-of-town people are even jumping on the bandwagon?).

USA Today's Erick Smith picks Vanderbilt, 20-16 (he went 14-4 last week -- was he among those who picked the Tigers?).

George Jones eats crow for his Auburn-Vanderbilt column from last week (and, to his credit, he apologizes for its tone, sort of, too).

Chris Low sees similarities between Miss. State and VU as well, examining this angle as well.

The AP has a great notebook-piece about Brett Upson and the role he's playing the Commodore resurgence (I don't normally link to "notebook" pieces like this, but this one's actually worth a read).

Ralph Russo picks the 'Dores, 17-10 (though he phrases it in the form of a question).

Danny Smith says a Miss. State win against VU would definitely be an upset (and then asks, "Doesn't that sound strange?").

Chris Silcox credits BoJo with the resurgence of the Commodores (and says that Clemson will nab him after our bowl).

Kevin Thomas makes the case for Vanderbilt in a rather convincing way (his analysis of our possible routes to an SEC East title seem legit).

Ed Shearer picks the Commodores, 20-10 (he points out that we've never started the season 4-0 in league play "until now").

Vanderbilt's defense leads the SEC -- and is 6th nationally -- in number of sacks, with 16 (including 5 against Auburn). Photo by Neil Brake, VU Athletics.

Sports Network has an empirical analysis of the game (and again, those ppg stats look very persuasive to me).

Jay Todd seems to pick Vanderbilt, though he doesn't come out and say it (not sure why, either).

Brad Lock examines why Miss. State is changing from man-to-man defense to the zone (let's just hope they use zone as much as the Mississippi reporters think they're going to -- or could that be a ploy?).

Athlon Sports picks the 'Dores by a margin of 7 points (but lists no final score).

Dead GUy picks against Vanderbilt harshly, like he did against us for the Auburn game (bitter much?).

Joe, at Coaches Hot Seat, gives Week 6 honors to Bobby Johnson, saying that BoJo's success can't be fully understood until you take a look at our scores (I think he's using old ACT scores, myself -- VU admissions-types have told me that our range is more like 30-35).

Analogy of the day: "It's hard to explain the significance of this win to someone who didn't grow up with the team like I did. It's like France invading Germany, and winning" (I literally laughed out loud at that one).

Hire Joe Girardi is spot on with his summary of most of the recent VU stories in the sports media: "academic, blind-squirrel school is finally finding a nut" (it's not like we haven't found the nut in other sports -- of course, as all the people in Alabama told me for three years, in the SEC, the only nut that counts is the football nut).

Jimmy Morris predicts a defensive struggle, and I would have agreed with him until I saw those ppg statistics (I know, I know: maybe I'm putting too much stock in four measley stats, but hey -- it's my blog, I can do that if I want to).

Oskie revels in his upset pick of the Dores over Auburn, and (I think) he picks VU over the Dawgs this Saturday (he also has some very kind things to say about S&S -- we, of course, always enjoy Oskie's hiarlious overview of the SEC each week).

How about some basketball? Andrew Skwara predicts 3rd in the East, and an NIT bid (but he says that a weaker SEC might help us make the tourney with our young, but highly-talened (Top 15 recruiting class in the country!) roster).

Or maybe some baseball? VSL cheers for David Price, as the Tampy Bay Rays add him to their post-season roster.

PICK 'EM TALLY: Vanderbilt to win, 5 (and a half); Mississippi State to win, 2.

SEC Power Rankings Ballot: Week Six

2008-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: Because of our summer hiatus (which, many of you know, was due to S&S taking the Bar Exam), we looked "defunct" when Garnet and Black Attack, the South Carolina blog that runs the SEC Power Rankings blog poll, was recruiting people to participate in the 2008 edition of the poll. We've spoken with Cocknfire, and he agreed to let us in next year. We'd rather not wait that long, so we decided to start doing "mock" power rankings ballots each week.

Based upon their performances on-the-field so far this season:

1. Alabama 6-0 (3-0)

The Crimson Tide continued their undefeated season, despite a tough battle from hungry Kentucky. To me, one of the ways you can figure out which teams are legitimate championship contenders is to watch how they handle adversity. 'Bama got the win, even in a letdown/trap game. I can't wait to see them take on LSU.

2. LSU 5-0 (2-0)

LSU can still beat any of the other top teams in the conference, including Florida and Georgia. The question is, how will they handle Alabama? I think the Tide is a better team, but I also think that Les Miles may out-coach Nick Saban when the Elephants take on the Tigers Nov. 8.

3. Georgia 4-1 (1-1)

I may have the 'Dawgs too high, but I don't think so. They're loss to 'Bama was ugly, but their win against Arizona State was quality. They should handle Yew Tee just fine this weekend, and then they'll have an interesting game against the Commodores -- and yes, it's homecoming again (remember what happened the last time Georgia royalty took the field with the Black and Gold?).

4. Vanderbilt 5-0 (3-0)

I seriously thought about putting the 'Dores in third, because I think VU has better wins than Georgia does (beating Auburn, South Carolina, and Ole Miss is certainly more "quality" than just South Carolina and Arizona State -- and yes, I think either Auburn or Ole Miss could probably beat ASU right now, despite both their offensive troubles). At the same time, we won't see whether Vanderbilt is truly better until October 18, and the ASU win was on the road.

5. Florida 4-1 (2-1)

The Gators struggled in Arkansas until the Hogs ran out of steam toward the end of the game. Yes, it was on the road, but Fayetteville wasn't exactly intimidating (Reynolds-Razorback looked about as full as a Vanderbilt-Eastern Kentucky game). UF's wins include Hawaii, Miami (Fla.), Yew Tee, and the Hogs, and they've only traveled twice. And let's not forget that they couldn't beat Ole Miss (even if they had made the extra point, recall that VU held the Rebels to just 17 points and it was in Oxford). Again, we'll get a direct match-up soon enough, but if the 'Dores keep winning, I think I'm justified.

6. South Carolina 4-2 (1-2)

With their win in Oxford, the Warchickens are looking a lot better (losses on the road to a suprisingly strong Vanderbilt team and a close scrape with Georgia in Columbia). Also, people keep talking about Spurrier losing his mojo, but consider this: the Gamecocks are outscoring their opponents (despite two losses) 138-88. Not too bad for Darth Visor. This game in Lexington, however, may be exciting. And not in a good way for the Ole Ball Coach.

7. Auburn 4-2 (2-2)

I cannot believe that Tuberville fired Tony Franklin. Nor do I believe that it's going to do much for Auburn's struggling offense. And who fires coaches after losses to No. 6 and No. 19? I think the delusion-factor that's prevalent in the atmosphere and water throughout the State of Alabama (which often manifests itself in acute Bear Bryant Syndrome in Tuscaloosa), may be spreading to the Plains.

8. Kentucky 4-1 (0-1)

The 'Cats had the Bammers worried, and I think that if they'd had a little extra time, they could have pulled off the upset (that 40-second clock is both helping, see VU, and hurting, see this game, lesser teams this season). Big Blue is still 4-1, but their wins are a bit shaky. Their big win was against Louisville on the road, but they struggled with Middle Teasy at home (of course, we won't talk about the Games Of Which We Do Not Speak that include the Blue Raiders and Commodores). All things considered, I think South Carolina and Auburn are better teams, despite UK's better record.

9. Ole Miss 3-3 (1-2)

I thought the Rebels had something going after the big win in Gainesville. I have to agree with PhilipVU94, though: if Houston Nutt could just get the Rebs to hold on to the ball, they'd be in a very different situation right now. Nonetheless, they've still got a shot at their first bowl in 5 years, at 3-3, with winnable games still on the schedule: in Fayetteville against the struggling Hogs, an Auburn Tigers team at Vaught-Hemingway less one offensive coordinator (not to mention an offense of which to speak), Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, and Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs in Oxford for the Egg Bowl. I think 6-6 is almost a lock, and 7-5 is a legitimate possibility.

10. Tennessee 2-3 (0-2)

I thoroughly enjoyed the 12-9 score against Northern Illinois this weekend. Though I didn't get to go to the Vanderbilt-Auburn game in Nashville, I have been told that a general cheer went up when the 0-3 NIU lead was announced at Vanderbilt Stadium. In some ways, too, I think I'm getting more schadenfreude from watching the Vawls celebrate their win over NIU than I would have had if they'd loss. After all, if the Commodores beat Yew Tee now, there's still a good chance that we can knock them out of a bowl. Again.

11. Mississippi State 1-4 (0-2)

What's going on down in Starkville? Coach of the Year Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs have been up and down all season, starting with that embarassing loss to Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. They looked to rebound with their win over S.E. La. State and a moral victory of sorts against the Auburn Tigers. But then came that schellacking by Georgia Tech. And then another close loss, when State hung tough with LSU. Hopefully, they're due for a "down" game against the Commodores at Davis-Wade Stadium this week.

12. Arkansas 2-3 (0-2)

While they're still struggling mightily, the Hogs actually have a better record than State. If Ole Miss doesn't watch out, the Hogs could pick up an SEC win there. They probably won't, but the Razorbacks can still go 4-8 (wins over Tulsa and Miss. State).

Naval Intelligence: Commodores face trap-game unlike any other

2008-10-08T13:16:00.001-07:00

Vanderbilt faces Mississippi State in Starkville this week for the first time since Jay Cutler lead the Commodores at quarterback.Photo by Neil Brake, VU Athletics.

There's the distinct possibility that the Vanderbilt Commodores can demolish records with a win this Saturday.

But there's just as much of a chance that the magical start which has seen the Black and Gold launch a new acronym into the Vanderbilt fanbase with good cause could come to end against the upstart Mississippi State Bulldogs.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country today:

CBS previews the game against Miss. State, and they see VU as a 61% favorite (of course, Auburn was also a major favorite, so let's don't pay too much attention to this).

Convalescing Jarred Amato thinks the 'Dores won't let their press get to their heads with so much at stake (and since discipline has been such a hallmark of this team this year, I'm inclined to agree -- but stats like "we haven't won in Starkville since 1971" do give me pause).

Jarred interviews wide receiver Justin Wheeler after BoJo's presser at McGugin (the Center, not the coach -- since we've been talking alot about him lately).

The intrepid staff of VandyMania.com update us on our opponents after this week (in case you missed it, Yew Tee had a key win, 13-9, over the mighty Huskies of No. Illinois).

Hairy Turdy thinks Corso is a d-bag.

Jesus Quintana apparently won a lot of money drunkenly betting on Vanderbilt against Auburn in Vegas (the "real" one, not the Nash variety).

SECidiots.com are still giving some love to the posters put up by the Vanderfolk (I'm still proud of our effort, myself).

Olin Buchanan has 3 random thoughts about VU: some schadenfreude at Yew Tee's expense; thoughts on VU facing a trap game against State; and speculation about Clemson trying to lure BoJo back to South Cackalacky (begin praying now that we keep BoJo).

Maurice Patton is spying to see who'll start at QB against State (no word yet who it will be -- also, Maurice crunches the numbers, and VU is only 1 of 15 unbeatens in Div. I-A (ok, ok "FBS" -- blah) football).

Maurice takes me to school, because I didn't realize that we were having so much success from redshirt freshmen this year (two big plays already: Chris Marve in Oxford to preserve the win with a strip, and Brandon Barden on Dudley to catch the go-ahead touchdown pass -- wow).

Phat Phil says we've had some nice wins, but it's "early yet" (you know, coach, I wouldn't call 41% of the season being done "early", but hey -- you're the coach).

Kyle Veazey helps Bruce Fowler get our defense ready by reporting that State is going to use more zone (you've got to love Croom's response, too).

Big-time college football, indeed: the State game went from "radio-only" to pay-per-view as of today (I'll still mute the TV to hear Joe "Voice of the Commodores" Fisher).

Kristofer Green ranks BoJo no. 11 best coach in the country in his weekly Top 25 look at college coaches (we were unranked last week -- guess it took ESPN to get him up there).

The Hustler sports staff roundtables the Auburn win, and they see three things emerging as a result of 5-0: national respect, recruiting boost, and the possibility of program turn-around (I agree with all three, particularly if we can make it happen Saturday, and prove that we can handle our success).

David Rutz ranks the SEC, leaving VU at no. 5.

Darren Epps looks at the 5 remaining SEC championship contenders, and yes, the 'Dores made the list (plus he has some really great things to say about GameDay in Nashville).

Chris Low says what he thinks BoJo won't: that VU's secondary is the best in the SEC (and maybe the country -- and he gets a great understatement quote from coach).

Chris also thinks VU is a possible contender for the SEC, even if it's not as likely as some might now think.

Clifford the Dawg picks State, 17-21 (I guess that's a State Dawg, not a UGA one).

Ethanator also picks State, but he doesn't give a score.

Cocknfire posted this week's SEC Power Rankings, and the bloggers think VU is no. 4 in the SEC -- ahead of Florida! (I guess we'll see how this one shakes out on the field).

Bobby O'Shea puts out its pay-per-view edition, with some details on the TV situation.

Jonathan Martin noticed that Tom Brokaw knew the 'Dores were 5-0 (for those political nerds out there who read websites like Politico.com).

Ghost of Jay Cutler (who is an Ole Miss blogger) has some great things to say about Vanderbilt, and joins in for some good-natured Yew Tee bashing (calling a win for us against the Vawls in November one of the greatest moments in Vanderbilt history: going to a great bowl and getting Phat Phil phired).

Jerry Hinnen ranks us no. 5 in the SEC and thinks our best upset-chance is against UF at home (how big would beating Heisman Tebow for (at least) SEC win # 4 be?).

Doug is worried about UGA's chances of winning their homecoming game since upstart VU is on the way again this year (you'd think they'd schedule homecoming a different week this year).

Doug also enjoyed our signs at College GameDay.

Well, we said the VU bandwagon was taking Volunteers, but I didn't expect them to actually take us up on it. Enjoy.

History being rewritten on West End

2008-10-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

With a win against Miss. State this weekend, the Vanderbilt Commodores can simultaneously claim their fourth consecutive SEC victory and their sixth consecutive victory overall. Photo by Neil Brake, VU Athletics.

If Vanderbilt can focus on competing against Mississippi State this Saturday in Starkville and avoid getting caught up in all the hoopla surrounding their historic 5-0 (3-0) start, then they can accomplish some truly mighty deeds, worthy of song and long remembrance.

Make no mistake, we're already in unprecedented territory: Vanderbilt's 3-0 start in the SEC has only been matched twice in Commodore football history, under coaches Dan McGugin (1934) and Bill Edwards (1950).

But this Saturday, Vanderbilt can surpass even those two great accomplishments. With one fell swoop, the Commodores can simultaneously claim their fourth consecutive Southeastern Conference victory and their sixth consecutive victory overall.

If they can do it -- and, let's be honest, many of us (including your humble author) still have that woozy I'm-scared-to-death-about-what's-going-to-happen-on-Saturday feeling regarding whether they can -- then they will have done something no other Vanderbilt team has ever done in 118 years of Vanderbilt Football: go 4-0 in the SEC and sustain the longest SEC winning streak in Vanderbilt football history.

And not only that (though that is a LOT!). A win Saturday also means bowl eligibility for the first time in 26 years. It would be the Commodores' first 6-0 start since 1928, four years before Vanderbilt became a founding member of the Southeastern Conference.

Prior to that, only R.G. Acton (1897), W.H. Watkins (1902), and Dan McGugin (1904, 1912, 1915-16, 1921, & 1928) have ever led any West End football team to a 6-win start.

Vanderbilt no. 8 in BCS standings

2008-10-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

When we first sat down to plan S&S, Mark and I had a lot of hope for Vanderbilt athletics. I doubt, however, that either of us could have envisioned something like this.

Starting today, and continuing as long as the 'Dores keep this magical season going, we're going to have a weekly look at the Commodores' bowl chances. We'll also take a look, if we are in contention, at our position in the Bowl Championship Series Rankings.

This week, as we'll see below, our bowl chances and our BCS ranking are one and the same.

The BCS formula is a bit complicated, but when you break it down, it makes sense.

The formula uses three basic factors: each team's (1) Point total in the Harris Interactive poll; (2) Point total in the coaches' poll;and (3) Ranking in the six selected computer ranking systems, after throwing out the best and worst ranking for each team.

All of the computer polls, except for one, are out, and the computers love the Commodores.

Vanderbilt is rated:

1 in the Massey Ratings;
2 in the Colley Matrix Rankings;
3 in the Anderson-Hester Rankings;
4 in the Sagarin-Elo Ratings; and
23 in the Billingsley Report.

First of all, take a deep breath. I don't think any of us every assumed we'd see the day when the Vanderbilt Commodores were ranked number 1 by anybody (in football, at least).

Under the BCS method, Vanderbilt is no. 3 in the country according to the computers, and our computer point value is 0.940.

Next, our USA Today Coaches' Poll ranking, no. 14 currently, is taken into consideration using the points we were given on the coaches' ballots divided by the total number of points available (i.e., number of coaches multiplied by number of places, 25). This week, we earned 704 points, good enough for 0.462 under the BCS.

Finally, the Harris Interactive Poll has us ranked at no. 14 as well, worth 0.466 in the BCS.

When the three sources are averaged ((0.940 + 0.462 + 0.466) / 3), we end up with 0.6224. To find our position in the BCS rankings, we then line up everyone's average under the BCS formula.

That yields our BCS Top 10:

1	Oklahoma	0.9483
2	Alabama	0.9294
3	Missouri	0.9155
4	Texas	0.8481
5	LSU	0.7935
6	Penn. State	0.7648
7	So. Calif.	0.6541
8	Vanderbilt	0.6224
9	Utah	0.6189
10	Georgia	0.6157

If we beat Mississippi State and go 6-0, our position in the the Coaches' and Harris Interactive Polls will likely change (particularly if other schools ahead of us in those two polls lose games).

As our position in the contributing polls increases, so, too, does our position in the BCS standings rise.

The BCS Poll will be officially released on October 19, 2008, after Vanderbilt's game against Georgia. If the Commodores are 6-1 (3-1) at that point, there is a good chance that they could remain within the BCS Top 15.

If they are 7-0, who knows how high the could go.

Naval Intelligence: Putting Francis Bacon to the test

2008-10-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt's win over the Auburn Tigers was truly historic, but in order for the Commodores to continue the magic of 2008, they must handle their success against Mississippi State this weekend. Photo by Hannah Twillman, The Vanderbilt Hustler.

For twenty-five years, Vanderbilt has struggled with handling defeat and the toll it took on the pysche of our players, our staff, our students, and our fans.

But now, with respect pouring into the program thanks to success on the field, it remains to be seen whether the Commodores can handle victory.

Francis Bacon wrote, "Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue."

The Commodores have piled up a lot of virtue over the years. Now it's time to see if their new-found achievements will uncover any flaws.

Facing an underwhelming Bulldog squad from Starkville, there's a real possibility that the 'Dores could be caught looking toward the Bulldogs in Athens instead.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country today:

Jarred Amato has an in-depth analysis of the quarterback situation after the Auburn win, and a problem that only BNV would have: tryign to pick between two good players for the same position (Jarred argues that because they're so close in talent, that it's really only a matter of who's healthier).

Harry King details how Vandfans are coming out of the woodwork, even in Arkansas (glad to see people rejoining the ship).

Joe Biddle is on a roll, with another great pro-Vanderbilt piece (this time, comparing Vanderbilt's struggles with senior Commodore wide receiver George Smith).

Maurice Patton also takes up the quarterback dilemma, and I use that word specifically (because again, this isn't about picking between two bad guys, it's about choosing between two good ones).

An old timer in Maury County, Tenn. talks about seeing his dream come true as Vanderbilt beat Auburn last Saturday night.

Tim Cottrell explains Vanderbilt's win to the Auburnites as an exercise in SEC parity (put Opelika and Auburn on suicide-watch, folks -- these people are getting hysterical down there).

Dave Moorman keeps trying to grasp that LSU doesn't play Vanderbilt (I think it's a compliment, isn't it?).

Matt Wilson writes that a bowl game is finally within Vanderbilt's reach (also has some great quotes from the BoJo presser about the recruiting edge that our GameDay week exposure gave us -- and who knew Coach was such a political aficionado?).

Ron Higgins sees Mac Adams putting the team first (and you've got to love the attitude from both Chris and Mac as they deal with the whole two-QB situation).

Jeremy Fowler chronicles the text-war between BoJo and a former VU assistant who's now at Florida (UF running backs coach Kenny Carter).

T. Kyle King embraces the Vandemonium, while bringing back the Colossal Commodore picture and ranking VU no. 2 in the SEC (I love that picture -- I wish I'd found it a long time ago).

T. Kyle's embrace only goes so far, and he picks Mississippi State to catch the 'Dores looking ahead this week in Starkville (and he captures my worry, spot-on).

Despite picking the upset, T. Kyle King ranks Vanderbilt no. 6 in the country, ahead of LSU (wow).

Andy Gardiner tells the USA about Vanderbilt's success, explaining the historical significance of our win (it's actually a really good piece, too).

Chris Low thinks we're still on fire in this week's SEC "hot or not" (and Yew Tee is still ice cold -- heh).

Caleb Hannan continues to hate on Vanderbilt in his obnoxious blog, "Pith in the Wind" (he predicted that VU would be slaughtered by the prize steers of the SEC, which included Auburn -- I can't figure out what his "beef" with us is -- any McGillites want to serve as Ambassadors and explain us to them?).

Brad Senkiw is sure that BoJo will be on Lake Hartwell by this February, if not sooner (Clemson University is located on that lake, in case you didn't catch it).

Fitsnews, in capable of dealing with a world where Vanderbilt is actually good, desperately clings to SOV, despite all evidence to the contrary (if I hope really hard, the 5 wins will go away).

The Murph ranks VU no. 12 in the country (with a ridiculously-hard-to-read block of white-on-black text -- just do a Control+F search for "Vanderbilt" -- he only mentions us once).

Anonymous1 says that the 'Dores are Nashville's darlings, even above the Titans (I don't know if I'd buy that, but certainly, Vanderbilt's success is more historic than the Titans', who've been to a Super Bowl).

A Vanderbilt ~~freshman from the North~~ grad student from South Carolina gives us his take on his very first ~~SEC~~ Vanderbilt football experience, the Auburn-Vanderbilt game (talk about a great way to start out -- my apologies for misidentifying your origins, sir -- I stand corrected -- and welcome to VU!).

Adam Rosenberg welcomes us to an alternate dimension, where Vanderbilt is good and, say it with me, "Yew Tee sucks!" (No fruit sucks like Puke Orange, right?).

Soda Pop, who has doubted the 'Dores, now believes, citing us twice in his Top 5 reasons that College Football is crazy this season (I agree with him, somewhat).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes has a great piece giving his testimony as to how he became a Commodore (great, great stuff).

Lindsay Rutledge examines Tennessee's new football capital: Nashville (oh yeah, they play football in Knoxville, right?).

Bobby O'Shea runs through some VU press and announces that VSL will have a swap with some Mississippi State bloggers later this week (stay tuned for that).

The Burglar contrasts Mac and Chris, and I think he comes out in favor of Chris (though that doesn't mean, in his mind, that Chris automatically gets the start against State).

PhilipVU94 has his Week 6 power rankings, and he puts the Dores at no. 3 in the SEC (he also helpfully notes that every SEC team we've beaten promptly declares its team "useless" after losing to us).

Apparently, there's a big-time professional boxing match set for action in Memorial Gym on November 15 (it's not hosted by the University, we're just going to make a ton of money off hosting it -- think they'll have alcohol in the Fenway Park of College Basketball for the evening?).

Special note: S&S joins fellow Vanderbloggers VSL in wishing a fond farewell to Brett Hait, the Vanderbilt beat reporter for The Nashville City Paper. Brett did a great job on what was, for many years, a difficult beat, and his professionalism and journalistic talent were appreciated by sportsfans across the Music City. We wish Brett luck as he moves on to bigger and better things (i.e., si.com) in Atlanta.

Naval Intelligence: Dores just one win away from bowl eligibility

2008-10-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt is still basking in the afterglow of its historic win against the Auburn Tigers, going 5-0 for the first time since 1943. It's safe to say, however, that coach Bobby Johnson has Mackenzi Adams and the rest of the Commodores fully focused on their upcoming road trip to Mississippi State.AP Photo.

There's still an afterglow on the faces of the Vanderbilt faithful this morning, and with records falling faster than Phil Fulmer's job prospects, it's easy to understand why.

To say that Saturday night was historic is, well, more than just an understatement.

Because Bobby Johnson's victory over the Auburn Tigers will probably go down into the history books as the night that this Commodore program was brought back from the dead.

I'm still trying to comprehend what the win means for this coach, these players, this program, and our University, and suffice it to say, so are a lot of other people making news in Commodore Country:

Chris Low has complete coverage of the win and its implications on ESPN: rallying past Auburn in a rocking Vanderbilt Stadium; crediting Mackenzi Adams with coming in off the bench for the come-from-behind victory (and has anyone else noticed that 9 is just 6 upside down?); the gauntlet thrown down by George Smith (our senior leader says, "We do both here," referring to winning games and going to class); a nice one-liner from Bobby Johnson reflecting our current coach's understanding of Vanderbilt history, despite his contest refrain that "this is Vanderbilt football now, and we don't pay attention to the past" (show of hands: who thinks Woody knew who Dan McGugin was?); helmet stickers for Mackenzi Adams and "the Fightin' Bobby Johnsons" (he's a mascot, now, too?); huge props to the Vanderbilt coaching staff (which they fully deserve, in my opinion); ranked no. 5 in this week's SEC power rankings (behind Bama, LSU, UGA, and UF -- and you've got to love Chris' taunting the Auburn fans); and coverage of the SEC Players of the Week (this week, two Commodores are recognized).

Mackenzi Adams' touchdown pass in the second quarter has been nominated as a game-changing play of the week (this is Vanderbilt's second appearance in the popular weekly ESPN online fan poll).

David Rutz has the take from the student section in the lead story from The Vanderbilt Hustler (and he raises something we plan to talk about later today on S&S: yes, Auburn's offense was bad, but what about their defense? how did VU score 14?).

David Wunderlich explores some of the staggering historical possibilities that this Vanderbilt team can accomplish if they can manage to beat the Bulldogs in Starkville (if you thought 1943 was a long time ago, try 1928 -- as in, Dan McGugin -- yes, that McGugin).

Randy Moore can't help calling us geeks, even though we're No. 13/14 in the country (but, then again, he's a Yew Tee fan).

Kyle Veazey gives Mississippi State fans perspective on just who it is that's coming to Starkville this Saturday (the last time Mississippi State played a ranked Vanderbilt team was 1942 -- ).

Howie Beardsley is teaching the world who Dan McGugin is (and if you don't know, educate yourself).

Paul Gattis captures the Hollywood in Saturday night's win: "Biggest game since ever and the home team fell behind by two touchdowns before rallying with its backup quarterback for a one-point win. Look away, Auburn. You don't want to revisit this one again. Look down, Vanderbilt. That's the college football world at your feet."

Profane likes the geeks from West End, and their big win this Saturday (he does a nice job of playing "guess who" whilst describing dear ol' VU).

Jimmy Trodglen comapres Vanderbilt and Wake, noting (as our schedulers did) the ridiculous similarities between the two schools (and licking his chops at the prospects of the Dores and Deacs playing a game that matters on the grid iron).

The Birmingham News thinks it's buzzworthy that nobody stormed Dudley Field after Vanderbilt knocked off Auburn (quoth the News: "Beating ranked teams at home - even ending Auburn's 53-year winning streak - is getting old for the Commodores" -- it's like the Bear (Bryant) said: "Act like you've been there before").

Denny O'Brien sees the Vandersurgence adding to SEC power (as if, he asks, the SEC needed more strength).

Maurice Patton has details on Vanderbilt's no. 13 ranking in the AP Poll (and, thanks to his typically-thorough research, he also let's us know that the Commodores' past three weeks in the Top 25 tie its longest streak ever in the AP Poll -- if we win next week, folks, we really are going to be in McGugin-era territory).

Kyle Veazey struggles mightily to give the Mississippi State crowd reason to find meaning in their game against the Commodores (his worthy effort: State is "looking to mount a rally in the second half of its season").

Brett Hait welcomes "big-time college football" to Nashville in the no. 13/14 Vanderbilt Commodores (and what a great picture of Mackenzi Adams).

Nick Gallo grades the Dores' performance against Auburn (their GPA for this game: 3.07 -- imagine what a 4.0 would look like).

Maurice Patton also grades Vanderbilt, but his grades aren't as kind (GPA for this game: 2.93).

Jarred Amato has his red pen out, too, and he gives the Commodores a 3.27 GPA (so, combining all three GPAs for our meta-GPA for the Auburn game, we get 3.09, a solid B average).

Meghan Rose examines the Defense to see whether it was Auburn ineptness or Vanderbilt adjustments that shut out the Tigers in the second half (answer? a little of both: it was our adjustments that forced them off their first-quarter success in running and back into their dismal spread).

Matt Zemek teaches Commodore fans how to deal with their new-found success (what does he suggest?).

Folks in Fort Worth learned that Vanderbilt "is a player in the SEC" (hard to believe, isn't it?).

Jeff Hood gets a VU recruit's reaction to his first Vanderbilt home game after his commitment: "The atmosphere made it feel like a bowl game" (not so fast, my friend: the bowl game comes after next week).

Paul Gattis holds VU steady at no. 5 in the SEC (and notes that every single game has been a come-from-behind victory for the 'Dores this year).

Mark Wiedmar damns with faint praise as what starts out as a celebration of our success turns into a "wait 'til they wilt" column (with the bitter tone of a possibly Yew Tee fan?).

Jeffrey Fann joins the chorus predicting a Bobby Johnson departure after a 8- or 9-win season (apparently they missed the media reports about us holding on to supercoach Tim Corbin after all those no. 1 rankings and draft picks).

Photo by Whitney D., VandyMania.com.

Mark Richt says VU is "pretty stinkin good" adding that the Commodores are getting "their just due" (is coach laying ground work for the possibility we upset them in Athens?).

Matt Burrowes moves the Commodores to no. 4 in the SEC (putting us ahead of Florida -- I'm not sure I get that).

The AP has a great, great article summarizing how important this win was for our program and its history (I'd like to know who's putting these AP reports together).

David Yeazell gets the stereotype, but I don't think he's ever actually met any Vanderbilt students (for those playing at home: Vanderbilt may be a smart school, but it's full of rich, preppy kids who love to party -- they also happen to get good grades).

David Gladow cheers on the "little program that could" (again reminding us why sportswriters love VU).

Ray Melick analyzes Vanderbilt's spread and compares it to the one Auburn's supposed to be running (and he finally gives our offense some credit).

Jeff Lockridge has a great recap of the GameDay experience over on the Commons (including some very flattering quotes from the "few Auburn fans" "sprinkled" among the Vanderthrong).

I never thought a Joe Biddle column would make me cry, but, (sob), this one did (I mean, put yourself in John Rich's shoes: "all I want before I die is a winning season").

Tom Kraeger has Vanderbilt potpourri, including great stats about night games, ESPN games, and come-from-behind games (we also evened up the series with Auburn, 20-20-1).

Olin Buchanan wraps up his summary of the game with a great stat: "Vanderbilt is the first team to score a touchdown in the first half against Auburn this season. Auburn had allowed just three field goals in the first half this season" (without that touchdown, Auburn wins 13-7 -- a score many were predicting among the sane Auburnites).

Anthony Salter polishes our glass slipper as he ponders how we'll finish out our season (and while he thinks it's a stretch, he doesn't rule out a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship).

Stewart Mandel learned that Vanderbilt could win the SEC East, no matter how ridiculous that sounds (even to us!).

Robert Rousseau also thinks the 'Dores could wind up in Atlanta, even though that "might sound like blasphemy" (just who are we blaspheming? Jesus, after all, was considered an underdog at one point...).

You know you've made it when Southern Living writes an article about your team.

An Auburn fan tells about his weekend with what he calls a "below-average photo essay" (and he says the best part of the weekend was after the game -- Nashville really is the SEC's best city).

Desmond Howard was seen cheering on the Dores after their big win over Auburn.

David Rutz liveblogged the game, and you've got to love 5:22 p.m. ("Auburn is decimating the Commodores").

Jarred Amato is one of the hardest-working guys in Vandersports, and he gets quotes from 5 key Commodores (impressive stuff, in my opinion).

Rod Williams captures the sheer rapture that many of us Commodore fans felt (and I'll be honest: as I stood there watching the aftermath of victory, I, too, lost it and started crying for joy).

Jarred Amato also learned at least five things this weekend, and they include: Vandy fans care about football; Mac Adams is a baller; VU can win the East; BoJo (as people have taken to calling him affectionately) is the man; and that these Commodores "are on a mission" (Jarred has a list of his favorite signs from GameDay, but he also has a list of his favorite Facebook statuses (if you don't get it, don't worry) -- and we, here at S&S, do appreciate the shout-out, Jarred).

Seamus O'Toole wonders whether this is the biggest win in school history, and it's hard to argue that it's not (not impossible, but difficult).

Stanimal urges the Commodores back to work to avoid getting hit with a let-down game (like UT and Northern Illinois? or maybe Ole Miss and South Carolina?).

Commodore fans keep watch behind the ESPN GameDay set as it broadcast live from the Lower Quadrangle of the Commons, on Vanderbilt's Peabody campus.Photo by Whitney D., VandyMania.com.

It's hard to beat this sign.

PhilipVU94 looks at ypg v. ypp and asks whether 2008 > 2005 -- oh, and he also gives some huge love to S&S (don't worry Philip, we managed to get our law degree, eat, and drink, and still post our Naval Intelligence feature -- it's all about time management).

Philip had some perspective from an Auburn fan, and it's interesting to note that the Auburnite in question ranked us no. 8 (in the country, not the SEC).

It seems Yew Tee fans are up in arms that the Nashville media is excited about VU's 5-0 start. Well what in the name of Fred Russell do they think it's been like for us for the past 75 years? You know, having to live through the UTennessean! I say, scorched-Earth policy. Now where did I put my "Phil Fulmer ate my other sign" sign at?

Philip also has some analysis of all those fans we welcome to the Vanderbilt bandwagon this weekend (you know, the ones who were "rocking 'the Dud'," as one of our football players said).

Philip is on a roll, arguing that it wasn't that Auburn had a bad offense, it was more than Vanderbilt made some stellar defensive adjustments -- and when you take into account that Vanderbilt has held ALL it's opponent's scoreless (except for 10 points in 5 games) in the second half, that starts to sound plausible).

Finally, Philip notes that our offense out-paced Auburn's, despite Auburn's supposedly SEC-leading defense (of course, maybe they are SEC-leading, and our offense, under Mac Adams, is that good).

Cocknfire has more on our offense and how it performed against the Tigers (no more smoke and mirrors, they say).

VANDERBILT BEATS AUBURN, GOES 5-0 FOR FIRST TIME SINCE WORLD WAR II

2008-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

On a night when ESPN GameDay was broadcast from Nashville and playing during prime time on national television, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Auburn Tigers, 14-13, on Dudley Field in Nashville.

The magnitude of this victory is difficult to overstate, because with the win, these Commodores continue to demolish program records.

It was the first time since:

• 2006 that the Commodores held an opponent to so few passing yards;
• 1991 that Vanderbilt has won 3 consecutive games in a season;
• 1982 that Vanderbilt beat three consecutive SEC teams;
• 1974 that Vanderbilt has beaten such a highly-ranked team in Nashville;
• 1955 that Vanderbilt beat Auburn;
• 1950 that Vanderbilt beat Auburn in Nashville and went 3-0 in the SEC;
• 1947 that a ranked Vanderbilt team beat another ranked team;
• 1943 that Vanderbilt started 5-0; and
• 1941 that Vanderbilt started 5-0 in a full season.

It was only the third time in the history of football at Vanderbilt that the Commodores are 3-0 in the Southeastern Conference.

Head coach Bobby Johnson has now beaten every SEC team except Florida, Alabama, and LSU.

And they'll have another shot at the Gators later this year.

In the meantime, the Black and Gold have no time to rest on their well-deserved, historic laurels, as they must turn their attention to another SEC road game with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

As they do, the entire Vanderbilt family is celebrating a team and a season that is beyond special and accomplishing feats not seen, literally, in generations on West End.

Beating Auburn and the Vanderbilt curse

2008-10-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

If Vanderbilt, hosting ESPN's College GameDay, can beat Auburn tonight, it may finally revive a program that's been on the decline for a quarter century. Photo by VU Athletics.

For more than a quarter-century, the Vanderbilt Commodores have not had a winning season.

There is no way to sugar-coat that fact. Fans, coaches, students, administrators have all tried to re-package that fact in the past 26 years, but it simply cannot be done.

In football, Vanderbilt has not won more than it has lost since 1982.

With those years of woe came ridicule, and lots of it. As season after season of losing took its toll on the Vanderpsyche, the numbers of fans began to fade.

In Woody Widehofer's last year at Vanderbilt, 2001, it reached its low-ebb in a game against the Auburn Tigers.

In that game, the Commodores had a chance to notch an SEC win and, perhaps, attempt to salvage what the head coach had promised would be a bowl season.

But a last-minute fake punt -- called by Widenhofer himself -- doomed the Commodores to continue their spiral of death for yet another year.

Now comes another chance to turn things around.

Again, the Auburn Tigers stand in the way.

This time, it's not just for a season. Vanderbilt has enjoyed an unprecedented national stage for its football program this week. Since ESPN's College GameDay announced its plans to come to Nashville last Sunday, Vanderbilt has been the talk of the college sports world.

With the arrival of Corso, Herbstreit, Fowler, and Howard, Vanderbilt accomplished something that its football program had never done before: one of its home games mattered enough to be the national game-of-the-week.

And that history was driven by other historic opportunities: the Commodores were 4-0, with a legitimate chance to get a fifth-straight win for the first time since World War II.

They were ranked for the first time in twenty-four years.

Yesterday afternoon, history continued to be made, as GameDay saw its largest Friday crowd ever: ESPN host Lee Corso said, "Last week, in Athens, we had about 20 or so people behind us on Friday."

Vanderbilt officials estimated about 2,400 on Lower Quadrangle of the Commons for a 20-minute recording of a segment to be looped on Sportscenter.

It all adds up to an opportunity unlike anything Vanderbilt has had in a long, long time.

A win against Auburn will not miraculously transform the Black and Gold into the national champions. But it will go a long way toward ending the national perception that Vanderbilt football is a joke.

It would raise the prominence of head coach Bobby Johnson, giving our recruiting efforts the kind of boost that they haven't received since Jay Cutler was drafted in the first-round for the NFL.

And it would finally convince the critics -- and maybe even Vanderbilt fans -- that here is a team that has faced down the demons that have haunted this program for decades.

It all comes down to one thing: victory.

The Commodores must get this win.

Naval Intelligence: Biggest game in 60 years?

2008-10-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

The No. 19 Vanderbilt Commodores, in sole possession of the SEC East, have control of their destiny against the No. 13/14 Auburn Tigers, and the buzz surrounding this game has some wondering whether this could be the game that reboots the program.

One of the aspects of GameDay that is somewhat obvious is the effect that your game being featured has on the "buzz" surrounding the games. That buzz is generated by ESPN's promotions that lead up to the game: increased exposure for your team on highlights, longer and more in-depth coaching interviews, and short segments that include interviews with players designed to build the general public's awareness of the game so that ESPN will have viewers for their show on Saturday morning.

After all, let's remember that for them, this is big-time business.

What is going under-reported, however, is just how much buzz this game has generated. There have literally been hundreds of articles and blog posts about our game this Saturday, when normally there usually around 100 or so (depending on who our opponent is) each week.

It's hard to tell whether this is because of the ESPN exposure or because of the massive, straight-from-Hollywood storyline: 60-year underdog faces traditional giant in game that could restore them to life.

In some ways, this game is almost like the Adam Sandler movie Waterboy, except you should substitute inbred Cajuns with overbred Vanderfolk for the protagonists' home crowd. Otherwise the parallels are all there: a school with an historic legacy that has toiled in relative obscurity; a once-great coach, trying to build a program the "right way," and an overbearing State U. football factory with a name-brand coach looking to maintain dominance no matter what.

It really is made-for-TV stuff.

And that's what's making news in Commodore Country today:

Chris Low writes one of the best Vanderbilt articles I've ever read (literally had me wanting to stand up at cheer at the end).

PhilipVU94 sees blogs all over giving us some respect in the National Blog Poll (sort of like Garnet and Black Attack's SEC Blog Power Rankings, except for the whole country).

Marv has three keys to VU success over at the newly re-vamped Who Ya With blog (and though I love WYW, I'm disappointed they de-linked S&S).

Hairy Turdy, a new WYW contributor, has details on the betting line, and it's good news for the Commodores (if you believe the betting public knows what it's doing, that is).

Seamus O'Toole lets Auburnite Clark Williams preview the game over on VSL, and he predicts a somewhat weird score of Auburn 24-16 Vanderbilt (I like what one VSL commenter said in reply: "If Auburn scores 24 points, I'll eat my shoe").

Jimmy Morris stresses VU defense and special teams on the quest for 5-0 (hopefully, Jimmy's, and Auburn's, overlooking of the return of George Smith mean a big day for our much-maligned last-in-the-SEC offense).

Chris Low picks Vanderbilt to beat Auburn 20-13 (with a great quote about the 'Dores "finding a way to win" -- talk about an upside down year -- isn't that usually "finding a way to lose" when it's about us?).

Steve Meril, betting guru, tries to figure out whether Vanderbilt is "for real" (his conclusion: they were when we said they weren't, and now they aren't, 'cause we say they're not -- great, great logic).

Ray Fittipaldo says 'Dores win, 17-15 (now that'll be an interesting game... Auburn's points: 3 + 3 + 7 + 2? or 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3? or maybe 3 + 7 + 2?).

Pasquali picks Auburn, 23-13 (but says some very nice things about us before he does).

Bob Holt has some great quotes from Steve Spurrier and Mark Richt about the resurgence of the Commodores (my favorite: "Your fans don’t want to hear you lost to Vanderbilt, but they are a heck of team. They are well-coached, they do have athletes, they do have speed and they have what it takes to win. They’re legit. They’re not some kind of one-time lucky deal. These guys are legit" -- talk about endorsement -- should we put that in the media guide?).

Steve Megargee features the Commodores in his preview of the SEC for Week 6 at Rivals.com (he also gives props to Chris Nickson and D.J. Moore).

Mike Herndon looks at the SEC's suprising 4-0 teams: Vanderbilt and Kentcuky, and analyzes which one is more likely to make it to 5-0 (hint: he likes our chances).

Matthew Keegan gets campy, but picks VU late, 27-24 (I'm so tired of rhyming "dandy" and "Vandy").

MVN.com picks us for the game of the week, and then explains why they take the 'Dores 13-10.

Joe Biddle quotes three of the SEC's great coaches as they talk about their respect for Coach Johnson (and you know what's great? we've beaten 2 out of 3 of these guys in the past 2 years).

Maurice Patton reads between the lines to argue that Auburn wishes Chris Nickson was suiting up in Blue and Orange this Saturday (after all, Chris is a Brundidge, Ala. native -- only about an hour from Jordan-Hare Stadium).

Blake Larsen reads S&S, and the other Vanderblogs -- at least, that's what I gather after reading his article previewing the game (great quotes from us, VSL, and WYW -- maybe next time use some quotation marks?).

Brett Hait previews the match-up with some timely analysis as always.

Ron Higgins explains why sportswriters want Vanderbilt to win (and not just against Auburn -- money quote: "Fight on, Vandy. Get that blasted bowl bid").

Auburn defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks is worried about Chris Nickson (is that pronounced "Shawn-derrick"? I know, I know, read the media guide).

Travis Haney thinks we're cutesy, and he didn't like the South Carolina DVDs from last season (and one has to admit, are we going to milk every win over a ranked opponent?).

I plan on emailing this jerk from Clanton, Ala. if we beat Auburn or if we make a bowl (you should, too).

Scott Page tells us about his uncle Kurt Page, the last Commodore quarterback to lead the 'Dores to a Top 25 ranking (definitely a cool story -- let's just hope ours ends on a happier note).

Chris Low headlines Chris Nickson's health, and for good reason.

Chris Low also cheers for Robbie Caldwell, the Vanderbilt offensive line coach.

Derric Winslet picks Auburn, 17-13 (but he says we have momentum and confidence, hedging his bets).

Grayson says Auburn will put "the lesser class" in its place with a win over the 'Dores (whether we win the game or not, I think the folks on West End could teach him a thing or two about class).

Natenet picks the 'Dores, 13-7, in what he calls an "affront to God" (am I missing something here?).

Bob Epling picks Auburn, but he says it's because he doesn't have the guts to pick Vanderbilt (at least he's honest).

Randall Rowe pics the Tigers, 21-14 (because of Auburn's "national championship caliber" defensive play).

Friday Night Tailgates picks Auburn, 14-7 (but it's difficult to take seriously a blogger who doesn't know that the "Commodore" is Vanderbilt's mascot -- could it be that he couldn't spell it?).

People from Alabama continue to parody themselves, with this amazing GameDay sign suggestion from Auburntron.com: "No. 9: GameDay or not your still nerds." (And no, I spelled it the way the had it).

Meyton Panning uses his Yew Tee-Auburn game preview, only striking out a few things here and there, to preview the Auburn-Vanderbilt games (talk about schadenfreude for Vandyfolk!).

PICK 'EM TALLY: Vanderbilt to win, 5; Auburn to win, 7.

BREAKING: Student section admissions capped at 5,000

2008-10-01T15:06:00.001-07:00

According to a senior official within the Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG), the Office of Student Athletics has decided to cap the number of undergraduate and graduate students to a total of only 5,000 persons admitted.

There are about 6,200 undergraduate students and around 4,000 graduate students at the University.

The same official, who requested anonymity because an announcement regarding this development has not yet been made by Vanderbilt administration officials, states that though there has been a de jure limit on the number of students admitted to football games in the past, the rule has not been enforced in recent memory.

Under the most recent Vanderbilt student ticket policy, all undergraduate students were theoretically guaranteed a seat in Vanderbilt Stadium, while graduate students were guaranteed the chance to purchase a "game validation sticker" for their student IDs that would permit them to attend football games for around $20.

The new policy may come as a surprise to many Vanderbilt students, who traditionally arrive late in the first quarter.

The VSG official stated that the new policy was necessary since the Auburn game has been sold out for three weeks, largely on the back of record season ticket sales and larger-than-usual volume of sales to parents for Parents Weekend, which coincides with this Saturday's SEC match-up.

The news comes as Vanderbilt-Auburn tickets are reaching prices well above $500 on eBay.com, the online auction website.

Perfect start sees 'Dores ranked Top 5 in latest computer polls

2008-10-01T13:08:00.002-07:00

Two of the six constituent BCS computer-based ranking systems, the Colley Matrix and the Massey College Football Ratings, have the Vanderbilt Commodores ranked in the national Top 5.AP Photo.

The Commodores have tied their highest ranking since 1960 with a consensus place at no. 19 on the AP, Coaches', and Harris Interactive polls.

But according to some computer-based polls, the 'Dores could be ranked even higher.

Two of the six constituent BCS computer-based ranking systems, the Colley Matrix and the Massey College Football Ratings, have the Vanderbilt Commodores in the national Top 5.

You did not misread that.

I said, "Top 5."

According to its creator Wesley Colley, the Colley Matrix poll has "a typical ranking difference" between his poll and the final BCS poll of "around 1 place, at a ranking of #4, and around 5 places, at #20."

"Here we have a scheme to rank college football teams that is absolutely free from human influence or opinion, accounts for schedule strength, ignores runaway scores, and yet produces common sense results, which at the end of the season compare favorably with the press poll rankings," writes Colley.

The current Colley Matrix poll ranks Vanderbilt no. 2 in the country, based upon an overall rating of 0.863973.

Colley's no. 1, Alabama, has a rating of 0.895386.

The other computer-based poll in which the Commodores are doing well are the Massey College Football Ratings.

The Massey Ratings claim to be "based on win-loss outcomes relative to schedule difficulty."

With a rating of 2.365, Vanderbilt comes in a no. 3 on the Massey Poll, behind no. 1 Alabama and no. 2 Northwestern.

The other two computer rankings, the Billingsley Report and the Sagarin ratings, list the Commodores at no. 53 and no. 14 respectively.

GameDay on the Commons: ESPN picks new quad for broadcast site

2008-10-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

GameDay will originate from Commons Quadrangle, the brand new, $150 million first-year residency complex, which boasts 10 coed dormitories and the Commons Center, a miniature student center and dining hall that now anchors the east-west axis of Vanderbilt's Peabody campus. Photo by VandyMania.com.

When Vanderbilt officials were carting ESPN producers around campus yesterday, they started with a list of this National Arboretum's most picturesque locales: Alumni Lawn, Library Lawn, McGugin Lawn, Hawkins Field, Olin Lawn, and even the Blakemore Intramural Fields.

But as the Vandercart (the six-person, black golf cart in which Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams II can often been seen riding around the road-less West End campus) was giving its usual tour, ESPN decided on something different.

GameDay will originate from Commons Quadrangle, the brand new, $150 million first-year residency complex, which boasts 10 coed dormitories and the Commons Center, a miniature student center and dining hall that now anchors the east-west axis of the Peabody campus.

Maurice Patton asked Vice Chancellor Williams about the selection.

"Our job was to show [ESPN] all the possible sites," Williams said. "There were a limited amount of places that are going to fit the dimensions they needed for the show, plus their equipment. It becomes, then what they think is the best site for what they want to do and the logistics, and that's The Commons."

"We're thrilled," he added.

Not everyone on West End was quite as thrilled. One student vented his frustration in a Letter to the Editor of The Vanderbilt Hustler, voicing his skepticism that hosting a football pre-game show almost four blocks away from the football stadium was the best solution.

"It pains me to realize our administration has chosen to exploit the hard work of our undefeated football team by steering GameDay literally as far away as possible from the stadium in which our team plays, only to showcase what the administration believes is the greatest thing ever to happen to Vanderbilt," wrote Vanderbilt senior Taylor Gould.

"How about you pay for an advertisement for the Commons during the game and hold GameDay in a sensible location?" he asked.

The location seems fixed, however, and ESPN has announced details about when they'll be filming on set:

► Friday: Live, 20-minute segment at 3:30 p.m. central.

► Saturday: Live, 3-hour broadcast from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. central.

As S&S noted Monday, Chick-fil-A will be giving away free food, while supplies last, at 7:15 a.m.

According to Maurice Patton, "Fans attending the Friday and Saturday telecasts of GameDay will be allowed to park in Lots 77 (18th Avenue and Horton), Lots 80 and 82 (Edgehill and 18th Avenue) and in the Terrace and Wesley garages."

Naval Intelligence: Auburn may de-emphasize spread against 'Dores

2008-10-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

This week, Tuberville hinted in his weekly press conference that the team would be crafting its offense around its players, not the other way around. VU fans wonder if the Tigers do manage to rethink things in time for the prime-time ESPN, SEC match-up this Saturday, can Vanderbilt handle it?Photo by VandyMania.com.

The airwaves in Alabama have been burning with invective toward Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who only a year ago was toiling in relative obscurity at Troy University.

Tommy Tuberville's gamble elevating the former Trojans coach to the SEC recalls a similar gamble made by the Vanderbilt administration when it tapped Bobby Johnson.

Similar frustration among both fan bases are apparent, as Auburn fans demand success now (and the 3-2 win over Mississippi State didn't help matters at all).

This week, Tuberville hinted in his weekly press conference that the team would be crafting its offense around its players, not the other way around.

The question is: if the Tigers do manage to rethink things in time for the prime-time ESPN, SEC match-up this Saturday, can Vanderbilt handle it?

That's what's making news in Commodore Country today:

Chris Low says our formula for victory is simple: play to win (if we do go to a bowl, I think we should pass a hat to buy Chris Low a steak dinner at Morton's for the great publicity he's been giving our program).

Joe Biddle wasn't asked, but he volunteers (hehe, get it?) that fans should come early and stay late (he also refers to the "West End crowd").

Maurice Patton has even more details on the logistics involved in getting GameDay to Vanderbilt (they have 5 (!) tractor trailers, a bus, and an RV -- wow; also, a money quote from Bryant Hahnfeldt directed toward our "friends" to the East).

Brett Hait has a great article explaining how we're winning despite last-in-the-SEC rankings for both total offense and total defense (hint: it's those "hidden yards" again).

Matt Zemek says the early Dore gets the Tiger, more or less.

The AP has a well-written, comprehensive story on Vanderbilt's resurgence and the key match-up with the Tigers that we'll probably be seeing in a lot of the big dailies this week.

Bruce Feldman ranks our win over South Carolina as the eighth-best upset in college football so far (wonder if he'd call a VU win over Auburn an upset?).

Acid Reign gives his Auburn-fan readers a history lesson on the AU-VU series, and it's actually very well done (lots of good points: Auburn has never played a ranked VU team; also, Auburn hasn't played a Vanderbilt team with a winning record at kick-off since the 1955 bowl game -- and, of course, we know the other reason that 1955 is a significant year for the VU-AU series).

Chris Rushing seems quite confident predicting Auburn 28-7 Vanderbilt (a 21-point game? normally this would offend me, but let's remember last year's game on the Plains and recognize that we were only a 7-point underdog in Auburn, and they beat us with a similar margin).

Vanderbilt Athletics has the Tuberville press conference over at VUCommodores.com (and, did you know: Tuber-ville is sort of like French for Potato City -- props to a certain Mr. Guthrie, VU '05, of Scottsboro, Ala., for that one).

Bridget Grafon tries to coach the Owen kids off the ledge with the news that Vanderbilt's got a good football team (Owen is the Vanderbilt business school, for those playing at home -- as for why they'd be "on the ledge"? welcome back to Earth if you don't know, thanks).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes thinks that the sportswriters at the Auburn press conference mailed it in (and it's hard to disagree -- since when has Vanderbilt Stadium been an intimidating house of horrors for opposing teams?).

Dimon points out that while the media may underestimate Auburn, Bobby Johnson most certainly does not (great quote from Bobby's press conference on keeping VU humble with all the hype this week: "We just pull out the game tape from last year").

Dimon contrasts Bobby Johnson with Nick Saban, and I'd have to agree that I'd take our upstanding, character-driven leader over ol' Lazer Eyes, too.

Finally, Dimon lists our SEC victories since the bowl season of 1982 (not for the faint of heart -- it ain't pretty, as they say).

Mac Newton spends a very long time bad-mouthing Auburn's offense and then picks the Tigers to win 21-9. Huh?!

T. Kyle King notes a huge stat: Vanderbilt is averaging 10 points-per-game more than Auburn (though I still don't like our total offense and defense being so abyssmal -- one thought on that, though: if we're leading the conference on punt returns, is it that we're not having to drive as far as other teams that's depressing our total yardage output?).

Chris Low goes internal affairs on the SEC and notes that VU leads the conference in sacks (but Auburn is second -- guess both teams will be spending a lot of time scrambling on Saturday).

Cocknfire has the newest Garnet and Black Attack SEC Power Rankings, and the SEC blogging world has pegged the Commodores at 5th-best in the league (leading Auburn by 147-151 votes; Florida, who's ranked 4th, has 172).

PhilipVU94 dreams of a bowl game in Shreveport (or Memphis or Nashville -- or anywhere, for that matter).

CBS Sports predicts a Music City Bowl berth for the Commodores.

Tony Barnhart asserts that Vanderbilt can beat Auburn, pointing to solid fundamentals and discipline (and he explains why "Johnson's teams are so hard to beat" -- who would thought to see that in print?).

Mike Herdon says Vanderbilt is the SEC's biggest surprise, while Tennessee is the biggest disappointment (schadenfreude is always acceptable).

Maurice talks about the offensive line and our need for it to hold steady.

Brett Hait plays conductor and invites people aboard the Commodore bandwagon (and there are plenty of Yew Tee folks out there to join us right now, too).

CBS Sports has their statistics-based preview up, and it says that there is a 53% probability that Auburn will win (which just means that there's a 46% probability that Vanderbilt will).

Mike Kranzler has a preview of some GameDay signs, with a great quote from Bobby Johnson: "Be loud, be rowdy, and give Auburn hell!" (For a man who normally doesn't curse, this is like a temper tantrum -- and I like it).

The Hustler sports staff sits down and hashes out the keys to beating Auburn.

Eric Silver has the Hustler SEC Power Rankings, putting VU at No. 5.

Gregory Cox doesn't think VU can win if it comes to a battle of field position (I would tend to disagree, considering how well our special teams have played so far).

Larry Burton sees the 'Dores sailing into a bowl, calling us "a lock" (frankly, I don't like this sort of talk unless/until we get 6 wins, thanks).

Chris Low notes the SEC penalty leaders, as in lack thereof: Alabama and Vanderbilt.

Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis lack our chances for a bowl, but don't think we're a legitimate SEC East contender (and honestly, how many of you really believe we are, either? of course, the fact that we're in a position to even talk about that is, well, unprecedented -- literally).

Bill Bryant looks at the 1982 bowl season, in a similar article to that USA Today piece we saw a while back; this one's better in my opinion (perhaps because of my own memories of escorting a goal post down West End?).

Three of CBS' five experts pick Vanderbilt over Auburn.

Naval Intelligence: Two ranked teams on Dudley for first time since 1947

2008-09-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last year, Mackenzie Adams was hoping to surprise an Auburn team that had struggled. This year, as two ranked teams play on Dudley Field for the first time since 1947, there will be no chance of a surprise. AP Photo from VandyMania.com.

For the first time since 1948, two ranked teams will take Dudley Field this Saturday when the No. 13/14 Auburn Tigers visit the No. 19/19 Vanderbilt Commodores.

The last time both the Commodores and their opponents were ranked was October 13, 1956, when the Black and Gold traveled to face the No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Miss. The 'Dores lost, 0-16.

It was nine years earlier, on October 25, 1947, that Coach Red Sanders' Commodores hosted the No. 18 LSU Tigers on Dudley Field. Vanderbilt lost that game, too, 13-19.

The last time Vanderbilt won a game when both the Commodores and their opponent were ranked, however, was only two weeks prior to the LSU loss, on October 11, 1947, when the No. 18 Ole Miss Rebels lost to Vanderbilt 10-6.

The Commodores' No. 19 ranking, their 4-0 start, and their historic announcement by ESPN to broadcast from Nashville are just some of the stories making news in Commodore Country today:

Chris Low says that Vanderbilt has arrived in his weekly SEC Power Rankings, noting GameDay's upcoming appearance in Nashville (and he ranks us ahead of Auburn -- guess we know what his pick for Saturday's going to be).

Vanderbilt Athletics has details on the ESPN announcement.

T. Kyle King isn't sure why he did it, but he ranks Vanderbilt at No. 11 in the country (ahead of LSU (?!)).

Mike Huguenin calls Nashville the center of the Universe this week, and he has a good point: GameDay is in town this weekend, and then Belmont hosts the second Presidential debate between Sens. McCain and Obama next Friday (and just in case you're wondering, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau wants you to know that Nashville currently has "ample availability of regular unleaded gas").

Evan Woodberry relays Tuberville's reasons for sidelining popular Auburn quarterback Kodi Burns (and S&S supports his sidelining if it means victory this Saturday).

PB "feels" like ranking Vanderbilt at no. 7 is too high, but he can't figure out who to put above us (Top 10?! what's going on, here, people?).

Maurice Patton learns that VU wasn't ESPN's first choice going into Week 5, but that the combination of Top 25 losses and Vanderbilt's "intrigue" and "buzz" helped make the decision for the self-titled "World-wide Leader in Sports" (Maurice also points out that ESPN is already in town scouting the Vanderbilt campus).

Tom Woods asserts that losing is a moral imperative and implores Bobby Johnson to restore Vanderbilt's heart-breaking, losing ways with haste (in one of the best pieces of satire I've ever read -- well done, Mr. Woods).

Brett Hait assures us that Coach Johnson is keeping things in perspective with a 90-minute meeting on Sunday to remind the 'Dores that it's not GameDay that makes this huge -- it's the possibility of a 5-0 start (remember your team motto, gentlemen: DWIT).

Steve Yanda thinks Auburn's defense will bail them out against the Dores (and he points out that Vanderbilt is averaging 10 more points-per-game than the Tigers).

Jake Curtis points out that No. 19 is our best rank since 1958, when the 'Dores were No. 15 (according to S&S research, since the AP Poll began to publish regularly in 1936, the 'Dores highest rank has been No. 10, which the Commodores held for two weeks in 1947 under Coach Red Sanders).

Dennis Dodd says Florida must beat VU in order to return to the Top 5 (he also points out that the road to the SEC East championship runs through Nashville right now).

Paul Gattis has a sneaky feeling about Vandy pulling an upset over Auburn this weekend (I hope his feeling is right -- but at this point, is it an "upset" for No. 19 to beat No. 13?).

The Hustler Editorial Board sees GameDay as an opportunity, and not just for the future of the football program (citing our "preppy fraternity scene" and "high academic standards" as keys to success -- in addition to "body paint and pastels" -- you know, folks, there are reasons we have the stereotypes we do).

Mike Kranzler notebooks the SEC, reveling in Yew Tee's 1-3 start.

Chip Towers says that VU is in the driver's seat for the SEC East, making me want to print this article out for posterity.

Matt Burrowes notes GameDay's appearance in Nashville and predicts that it won't ever happen again (so are Alabama fans going to start being obnoxious now that they're winning again?).

CharlesGoldberg tallies the numbers for Auburn so far this season.

Larry Burton asks whether Vanderbilt is building toward a bowl and takes a look at the decision to hire Bobby Johnson (he thinks that CBJ will be snatched up if he gets to a bowl).

Maurice Patton lets us in on a little-known fact: college coaches learn from each other, at least when they're not going to end up playing each other.

Brian Powell predicted GameDay would be coming to Vandy last week, and he took heat for it.

Needless to say, Brian is enjoying making his doubting commenters eat some humble pie this week.

Southern Saturdays has picked the Auburn-Vandy game to be its "game of the week," what with GameDay coming and all.

Mark Schalaback and Bruce Feldman predict which team goes to which bowl (Mark has us in Memphis against Tulsa for the Liberty Bowl, and Bruce sends us to Shreveport against Kansas State in the Independence Bowl).

Mike Rapp has a great summary of the ESPN-a-palooza descending upon Nashville and he also notes that Herbstreit is the only voter not to rank Vanderbilt in the Top 25 this week (guess we know who'll be picking whom on Saturday -- get ready to see Mr. C on Corso's head!).

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes notes that we haven't beaten Auburn since 1955 (they're the only team we've not beaten since 1982).

Dimon also notices a worrisome trend: Auburn tends to enjoy using Vanderbilt for a season-changing victory (remember last year's game?).

Dimon keeps up the good work with an analysis of Vanderbilt's opponents, and why they're building our resume.

Dimon also looks at VU as an underdog in most of its games this season.

It was an Auburn romp on the Plains last year, even though Vanderbilt fans had hope that the Tigers were beatable. Is history going to repeat itself in 2008? AP Photo.

Vegas has us as a 4-point underdog to Auburn this Saturday, but we're still 4-0 against the spread.

T. Kyle King puts us at No. 2 in the SEC (ahead of LSU -- wtf?).

Gamecock Man picks us as No. 3 in the SEC (and again, I'm starting to get dizzy).

Greg Viverito was worried about the optics with the crowd in Vanderbilt Stadium, but now he feels an energy on West End he's never felt before (he also speculates about where they'll end up putting the GameDay set).

Soda Pop sees a VU win placing us in command of the SEC East.

Tim Chavez sees recruiting implications for the GameDay broadcast (it's hard to disagree, in my opinion).

Monkey ranks Vanderbilt no. 20 and gets mentioned here because he knows to call us the "Harvard of the South" (he'll get higher billing if he learns that Harvard's actually the "Vanderbilt of the North").

Nik makes an analogy between cycling and Vanderbilt football though the connection seems tangential to me.

PhilipVU94 ranks Vanderbilt at No. 5 based on predictions, not accomplishments.

Philip is also torn about what's a bigger deal: Vandy hosting GameDay or going 4-0 for only the fourth time since World War II (answer? go with "not accomplished before").

Philip also has some great analysis of the relative divisional strength of the SEC's East and West (and makes a great point about the cross-divisional match-ups we've seen so far).

Jason makes great points about Auburn's defensive strengths and weakness with regard to Vanderbilt.

Jesus Quintana knows which hat Corso will wear when he comes to Nashville.

Stanimal makes a return to VSL and demands that Vanderbilt justify the hype (a great point, I might add).

Clay Travis is expecting big things from Vanderfans behind the GameDay set.

Power of Dixieland wants the Tigers to be careful, otherwise they might get beaten.

Paul Westerdawg says the end is near since VU is hosting GameDay (I think I'm going to start a tally for every time someone says the end is near or hell is freezing over about us -- they've been saying it every week since South Carolina).

Rob Robinson wonders if Clemson will try to steal Bobby Johnson should the 'Dores go to a bowl (it is his alma mater, after all).

SportsByBrooks is enjoying the Revenge of the Nerds as Vanderbilt, Duke, and Northwestern are a combined 12-1 (this would be the year that Duke decides to play tough ball).

Jay G. Tate gives occasion to this gem of a comment by an Auburn (or Alabama, even) fan: "well this will be an interesting game day scene. No will be there, as all of vanderbilts students will be in the library." Is that an insult? Should we correct their grammar? Or just feel sorry for them?

More awesome comments posted by Auburn fans: "Is no one as shocked by this as I am???? Vanderbilt is in first place in the SEC right now!!??? GameDay coming to Vandy? What? Are they really any good? We better find an offense this week or it may be a long day!" No comment, by me, is necessary.

Janelle Stokes reports Women Soccer's two losses from this weekend.

Chick-Fil-A to serve free food near GameDay set

2008-09-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt football players visited the Rivergate Chick-fil-a store this past August. Chick-Fil-A has announced that they will be giving away free food at Vandyville, near the ESPN GameDay set, for the Auburn game.Photo by VandyMania.com.

Chick-fil-A, a sponsor of ESPN’s College GameDay, is sending employees to Vanderbilt's campus prior to the Auburn game to provide samples of some Chick-fil-A menu items.

The product sampling will occur near the GameDay set this Saturday beginning at approximately 7:15 a.m., while supplies last.

In addition, the Chick-fil-A "Eat Mor Chikin" Cows will be on-hand to welcome fans to the game.

The Cows, along with Chik-Fil-A's "Mascot Moovers" will be escorting a crate containing the mascot head Lee Corso will use to announce his pick for the Auburn-Vandy game.

ESPN GameDay in Nashville raises the stakes for Johnson, 'Dores

2008-09-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Some people said that "The Catch," Earl Bennett's go-ahead touchdown over Tennessee in 2005, marked the turning point for Vanderbilt, but VU had beaten Tennessee before. ESPN GameDay has never made an appearance in Nashville.AP Photo from VandyMania.com.

All season long, the Vanderbilt Commodores have been breaking records.

Here on S&S, we've been doing out best to keep this season in historical perspective, giving you analysis based upon how the 'Dores have done in the past and how they may do in the near future.

In all of our analysis thus far, we've yet to truly encounter something that has never happened in the 118-year history of Vanderbilt Football.

Well, throw the record books out the window, because these Commodores have managed a feat that none have ever accomplished before.

For the first time since its inception in 1987, ESPN's marquee television program College GameDay will be broadcasting live from the campus of Vanderbilt University.

Since Bobby Johnson's Commodores knocked off the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville in 2005, Vanderbilt fans have argued about what might signify the re-emergence of Vanderbilt as a truly competitive football team within the SEC.

Some said that it would be obvious that a bowl game would accomplish it.

Others argued that defeating Steve Spurrier's 6th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia might do it.

Still others said that back-to-back wins over two SEC teams should be a red flag to all.

All three of those things have now happened, but no one gave Vanderbilt credit. The "hump" was still there.

Now, with America's most-watched college football preview show shining its bright spotlight on the Vanderbilt football program, the argument seems settled: if Vanderbilt can win against Auburn this Saturday, going 5-0 for the first time since 1943, this year will be "the Year" that Commodore fans have been waiting for since 1982.

The stakes have just been raised.