Thursday, December 31, 2009

Greetings from South Bend

By Weinman - The 2009-10 Vanderbilt women's basketball team makes its television debut this afternoon against the third-ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The game will be broadcast on CBS College Sports (DirecTV: 613; Dish: 152; Comcast: out of luck), starting at 1 p.m. CT (2 p.m. local in South Bend).

Dave Ryan and Debbie Antonelli have the call on television. For those cable customers that might not get CBS College Sports, Charlie Mattos' radio call will of course be featured on WNSR 560-AM and on vucommodores.com. You can also follow the action with Gametracker or by following the @VandyWBB Twitter feed. Thanks to Dr. Alex Diamond for the above photo of the Golden Dome, and the pic of Charlie in front of Touchdown Jesus (below).

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Best of Decade: Top Student-Athlete?

by Barca Blog

Today's question... Who do you consider to be Vanderbilt's student-athlete of the decade?

When making your decision, please focus on what the student-athlete did during their collegiate career (rather than professional career).

Let us know on our Facebook Fan Page.

You can also rank them if you'd like to!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

NFL Week 16 Recap

by Barca Blog (AP Photo)

It was exciting to see a couple of former Commodores lead the Chicago Bears to an upset victory over the Minnesota Vikings on national television Monday night. A few of the highlights:

*Jay Cutler threw a 20-yard strike to Earl Bennett for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter (video).

*Chris Williams shut down All-Pro Jared Allen, who had only two tackles and no sacks.

*Hunter Hillenmeyer forced Adrian Peterson to fumble (video) to set up Cutler's winning TD pass in overtime (video).

See below for Week 16 stats of former 'Dores in the NFL.

Chicago Bears: Defeated Minnesota, 36-30 (OT)
QB Jay Cutler - Started, 20-35, 273 yds, 4 TDs, INT
OL Chris Williams - Started at left tackle
WR Earl Bennett - Started, 3 rec, 35 yds (long 20), TD
LB Hunter Hillenmeyer - Started, 15 tackles, forced fumble, pd
DB D.J. Moore - Played but no stats recorded

Tennessee Titans: Lost to San Diego, 42-17
DT Jovan Haye - Started, three tackles
LB Jamie Winborn - Two tackles

Washington Redskins: Lost to Dallas, 17-0
TE Todd Yoder - Rec, 2 yds

New York Giants: Lost to Carolina, 41-9
LB Jonathan Goff - Started, 6 tackles

Kansas City Chiefs: Lost to Cincinnati, 17-10

S Reshard Langford - Inactive

NPR: Vanderbilt jabs his way to the top

by Barca Blog

In case you're interested... On NPR's Morning Edition, Steve Inskeep talked with author T.J. Stiles about the life of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, the man who made the gift that founded Vanderbilt University in 1873.
 
Stiles tells many interesting stories including one about how court records show Cornelius won fist-fights well into his 50s.

Click Here to Listen to the Program

Best of Decade: Best Team?

by Barca Blog

Thanks to everyone for submitting their favorite Commodore sports moments of the last decade yesterday. We received over 60 responses between our Facebook Fan Page and the blog.

Today's question: In your opinion, what was the best Vanderbilt sports team of the last decade (covering all sports)?

This is a tough one considering the amount of success VU Athletics has had since 2000. I'm curious to see which team gets the most love.

Please give your answer on our Facebook Fan page.  You can even rank the teams if you'd like to.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Best of Decade: Favorite Moment?

by Barca Blog

As we close out 2009, we'll be asking you to look back on a great decade of accomplishments for Vanderbilt Athletics.

I've been here since 2003 and could rattle off my list of memories, but this isn't about me. I want to know what stood out to you during this period.

Today's question... What was your favorite Commodore moment over the last 10 years?

Let us know on our Facebook Fan Page.

Discuss, Debate and Reflect.

December issue of Commodore Nation

by Ryan Schulz

The December issue of Commodore Nation is now available online by clicking below. You can toggle between pages by clicking the arrows or you can zoom into the document by clicking it.

Included among other items in this issue are stories on Memorial Gym, the work of football player Jamie Graham in the community and the transition Earl Bennett has made to the NFL. .

To view more archived issues, click here.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

December Student-Athletes of the Month

by Barca Blog

Congratulations to Kristabel Doebel-Hickok (Women's Cross Country) and Ryan Haselden (Men's Golf) for being named Vanderbilt's Student-Athletes of the Month for December.

They were chosen on the basis of the all-around student-athlete... effort and excellence in academics, leadership, integrity, dedication to team, campus involvement, community service and the ability to serve as role models for current and future Vanderbilt students and student-athletes.

Click here to read Q&A's with the two honorees.

Langford signs with Kansas City

by Barca Blog

Rookie safety Reshard Langford signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday after spending the season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.

The Chiefs (3-11) have promoted Langford, who will wear number 48, to their 53-man roster for final two games of the regular season. No word yet on if he will be active for KC's game at Cincinnati on Sunday (12 p.m CT).

Check out these clips of "Scud" during his Commodore career:

Friday, December 25, 2009

Video: Memorial Magic

by Barca Blog

Happy Holidays to Commodore fans across the world.

I think we can all agree that one thing near and dear to our hearts, especially this time of year, is Memorial Gymnasium.

Ryan Schulz wrote a good article on the mystique and aura of the Gym in the latest issue of Commodore Nation magazine. Click here to read his story.

And since we're talking about it, here's one of my favorite Vanderbilt videos: the Memorial Magic montage that plays on the jumbotron just prior to tip-off at every home game. Thanks to Wes for the clip. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

NFL Week 15 Recap

by Barca Blog (AP Photo)

Earl Bennett scored his second touchdown in three weeks, this time a 49-yard punt return to account for Chicago's only score against Baltimore on Sunday. Watch the clip here (and note how Bennett quickly tracked down his keepsake after the TD)

See below for Week 15 stats of former Commodores in the NFL.

Also, Tennessee signed veteran linebacker Jamie Winborn to a two-year deal on Monday - read more.

Chicago Bears: Lost to Baltimore, 31-7
QB Jay Cutler - Started, 10-27, 94 yds, 3 INTs
OL Chris Williams - Started at left tackle
WR Earl Bennett - Started, 2 rec, 50 yds, punt return TD
LB Hunter Hillenmeyer - Started, 7 tackles (2 for loss), sack
DB D.J. Moore - Inactive

Tennessee Titans: Defeated Miami, 27-24 (OT)
DT Jovan Haye - Started, tackle

Washington Redskins: Lost to NY Giants, 45-12
TE Todd Yoder - Played, but no stats recorded

New York Giants: Defeated Washington, 45-12
LB Jonathan Goff - Started, 2 tackles, sack, 2 QB hits, PD

Friday, December 18, 2009

Video: Santa and his Elf

by Barca Blog

Intern Travis scored this groundbreaking interview with Santa and his Elf during the Vanderbilt Student-Athlete's annual holiday party last week. Thanks to football's Adam Smotherman and T.J. Greenstone for booking the duo from the North Pole. Watch the video below.

Also, if you missed Monday's blog on the event, click here.

Video: Baseball schedule cards

by Barca Blog

Prior to the men's basketball game on December 5, the Vanderbilt baseball team spent time handing out schedules and mingling with fans to promote the upcoming season.

Eric Jones was able to catch up with sophomore outfielder Joe Loftus in the Gym lobby during the event. Loftus was one of the featured student-athletes in last year's season ticket commercial... but did his photo make it onto the 2010 schedule card and poster? Jonesy gets the scoop in the video below.

For those of you interested in supporting the Commodores at Hawkins Field, season tickets will go on-sale to the general public in both the reserved infield grandstand and the outfield annex starting on Monday, January 4. Until then, the ticket office is only taking renewal requests. Call 615.322.GOLD for more information.



(For those of you scoring at home, Drew Hayes, Andrew Giobbi, Brian Harris and Sonny Gray are the players on the schedule card)

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Stallings' call-in show starts Sunday

by Barca Blog

Mark your calendars... Kevin Stallings' basketball call-in show, presented by Bradshaw Collision Repair Centers, will begin this Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Fans are welcome to attend the hour-long program, hosted by Joe Fisher, at the Commodore Grille inside the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt on West End Avenue.

If you can't make it, then listen locally on 104.5 the Zone or online at VUcommodores.com.

Click Here to view the complete 2009-10 show schedule.

MBB locker room enhancements

by Barca Blog

Back in the summer of 2008, Memorial Gym was given a new $2.5 million facelift with upgrades to some things you see (like the court) and other things you don't.

Since it's slow around the office with exams going on (and no events until Saturday), I thought I'd give you a behind-the-scenes look at the enhancements made to the men's basketball locker room and meeting room.

Click Here to view John Russell's Photo Gallery

To learn more about the overall facility upgrades taking place at Vanderbilt, click here.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

'Dores fight through tough schedule

by Barca Blog

With a more experienced roster returning to the court, Vanderbilt scheduled a tougher non-conference slate in part to prepare for the rigors of the SEC schedule and to show the NCAA Selection Committee an effort to play a challenging schedule.

And it's shown.

Real Time RPI projects that the Commodores (6-3) have played the ninth strongest schedule in the country to date. VU has been tested with only three of their nine contests at home including trips to St. Mary's, the Maui Invitational, and Illinois. 

The harder schedule has brought us both encouraging moments (good wins over Missouri and St. Mary's) and letdowns (last week's performances against Illinois and Western Kentucky).

"We really took on a lot of tough competition in our first nine games," head coach Kevin Stallings told the 104.5 Wake Up Zone on Tuesday. "We did so intentionally. Last week did not go the way we wanted it to.

"The Western Kentucky game is the only game that we let get away from us that should have been won from our perspective. You don't like to have any of those games on your schedule that you lost that you shouldn't have lost.

"We've had one of the toughest schedules in the country up to this point. We're a game away from where we probably should be with our team.

"What really matters the most is what we do from here. The Western Kentucky game isn't going to decide what gets us into the NCAA Tournament. What matters is how we handle what's happened to us and what we do with it from here."

While the Commodores have struggled to find their identity to this point, they'll have a chance to fix things with five straight home games before starting SEC play. And there's no better way to get back on track than by playing inside the friendly confines of Memorial Gym.

Update on A.J. Ogilvy

by Barca Blog

Head coach Kevin Stallings said Tuesday that junior center A.J. Ogilvy is still battling plantar fasciitis, the same injury to his right heel that bothered him last season.

Ogilvy was limited to a reserve role in the Commodores' 76-69 loss to Western Kentucky last Friday, making it just the fourth time in his career (72 games) that he did not start.

"I know that his foot has been bothering him," Stallings told the 104.5 Wake Up Zone. "In the two days before the Western Kentucky game, he practiced maybe 15 minutes and it looked like that in the game. We've shut him down and are going to try and bring him back on Thursday.

"It's just kind of an ongoing thing. Obviously when he's healthy and his mind's right like Arizona, Missouri and DePaul in the 2nd half, A.J.'s a very good player. It's become difficult, though, because we don't know whether he's going to be there or not, and that part has kept our team a little bit out of balance because we don't know if he's going to be healthy enough to play. That's a little debilitating because everyone's waiting around to see if he's okay.

"One of my staff members said the other day that we just need to get Festus (Ezeli) ready to help us win big games. So that's what we have to try to do in the event that A.J. isn't available."

The Commodores have two other health problems at the moment. According to Jeff Lockridge of The Tennessean, Andre Walker has been out with flu-like symptoms and Lance Goulbourne is sidelined with a concussion.

Vanderbilt will next play Tennessee State on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT inside Memorial Gym.

Wednesday notes (and Video of the Day)

by Barca Blog 

Gatewood back with the Redskins
Washington signed linebacker Curtis Gatewood from Pittsburgh's practice squad on Tuesday. The former Commodore is no stranger to the Redskins... he spent part of 2008, his rookie season, on their practice squad before playing in six games for Kansas City.

Love the Drake
The Birmingham News has a nice blog on George Drake. With a year of eligibility remaining, Drake transferred to UAB (which is closer to home) to play basketball and to work toward a master’s degree in health education. He's averaging 7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Blazers. Read More

Better Move Fast for Tickets...
From Boggles... Memorial Gym is on the verge of a men’s basketball season-ticket sellout for the fourth consecutive year, with less than 75 season tickets remaining to be sold.

There is also a limited number of single-game tickets available in the lower level in the student section over the holiday break for the following games: TSU (December 19), Mercer (December 21), Manhattan (December 30), Southern Miss (January 2), and MTSU (January 4).

Call 615-322-GOLD or order online at vucommodores.com.

Video of the Day
Start your Wednesday morning by doing the Neutron Dance (with clips from one of the best movies of the 80's).

Catching up with Matt Freije

by Ryan Schulz

Note: This article appears in the December issue of Commodore Nation.


It’s been six seasons since former Commodore Matt Freije put Vanderbilt’s team on his back and helped lead the Commodores to the Sweet 16 in 2004. Since Freije finished his Vanderbilt career as the program’s all-time leading scorer, basketball has taken him many places across the globe.

In January, Freije will embark on his sixth professional season when he begins play with a team in Lebanon. Since being drafted 53rd overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, Freije has spent time in Europe, Asia, Puerto Rico and even played 42 games in the NBA with New Orleans and Atlanta.

“It is good to be able to see the world and see how different people live,” said Freije who spends his offseasons in Nashville. “I’m not going to play until I can’t play, I’m just going to play until I feel like I’ve played long enough.”

Freije’s last stint in the NBA came during the 2006-07 season, but he narrowly missed earning a roster spot out of training camp with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2008. Freije’s narrow miss from making the team’s roster on opening day was similar to that of former Commodore Derrick Byars this year. Byars was cut by the Chicago Bulls a little more than 24 hours before the team’s opening game.

“Honestly, it is really, really tough,” Freije said. “It is hard to be told that they don’t need you. It’s hard, and I feel bad for Derrick. It’s especially tough in his situation because every night you go out, you’ve got to do well because you are being watched a whole lot more than the other guys. For guys that are going to be there and know they are going to be there, it’s not the end of the world. If you don’t know, it is always in the back of your head that if you don’t play well, maybe you will get cut tomorrow or the next day.”

Having coached Freije and Byars, it is always tough for Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings to see his players get cut, but he knows it is a business and the two have the work ethic it takes to succeed in professional basketball.

“It is their profession at this point, so the first time someone tells you ‘no’ on a sale, you can’t stop working,” Stallings said. “Hopefully another team will pick him up and Derrick will have a nice long NBA career. He is certainly talented enough.”

Now in his late 20s, Freije knows his window for making the NBA is getting smaller, and he’s come to grips with the fact that the NBA may not be in his future again.

“The NBA currently is not a goal,” Freije said. “I’m 28 now, so it has kind of passed me by. I’m just playing while I can.”

Monday, December 14, 2009

NFL Week 14 Recap


by Barca Blog

Jonathan Goff recorded his first career interception in the New York Giants' 45-38 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday (AP Photo).

See below for Week 14 stats of former Commodores in the NFL:

Chicago Bears: Lost to Green Bay, 21-14
QB Jay Cutler - Started, 23-36, 209 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INT
OL Chris Williams - Started at left tackle
WR Earl Bennett - Started, rec, 6 yds
LB Hunter Hillenmeyer - Started, 7 tackles, QB hit, FF
DB D.J. Moore - Inactive

Tennessee Titans: Defeated St. Louis, 47-7
DT Jovan Haye - Started, 3 tackles

Washington Redskins: Defeated Oakland, 34-13
TE Todd Yoder - Started, but no stats recorded

New York Giants: Lost to Philadelphia, 45-38
LB Jonathan Goff - INT, pass defended

Photos: 2009 Football Banquet


Head Coach Bobby Johnson and the Vanderbilt football team held their annual banquet Sunday on campus.

Click Here to view Leathers' photos from the event.

Commodores spread holiday cheer


Click to View Photo Gallery

By Ryan Schulz

With finals looming on the horizon, Vanderbilt’s student-athletes took a break from their studying on Friday to spread the cheer of the holidays to first graders at Ross Elementary in East Nashville.

From 11 a.m. to noon, Vanderbilt’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its annual holiday party for the local first graders in Vanderbilt’s basketball practice gym.

Shortly after the children arrived, they were greeted in the center of the gym by Santa Claus and an elf, which proceeded to read `Twas The Night Before Christmas.

“It’s a great experience,” said defensive tackle Adam Smotherman, who played Santa Claus for the third straight year. “To see the kids’ faces, there is nothing better.”

When the book was finished, Santa Claus and his elf presented each child with a bag of gifts that they opened with members of each Vanderbilt team they were assigned to. The student-athletes from each team spent the remaining time putting together gifts for the children, playing games with them and eating pizza together.

“A lot of these kids depend on gifts from outside agencies or donations at events like this,” said Cynthia Jones, a first grade teacher at Ross Elementary School, who has been bringing her class to the holiday party for approximately 10 years. “The kids get excited. Just the excitement of getting on the bus and coming somewhere they’d never been before is something they enjoy.”

Joining Smotherman in costume was fellow defensive tackle T.J. Greenstone, who dressed as Santa’s elf for the second year in a row. For Greenstone, the experience is something he looks forward to each year.

“My favorite part is when you go up to a kid and start talking to them, and you see the big smile on their face,” Greenstone said. “You can’t help but smile because it just radiates the room. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Smotherman shared much of the same feelings as Greenstone.

“Christmas is all about making kids happy. It just warms my heart to be able to give these kids some cool presents to be able to play with and give them time to hang out with the student-athletes, it’s just a great feeling.”

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Winners of the Top Commodore Football Awards are...

by Leathers

The 2009 Commodore Hustle Award, given by Vanderbilt players, is presented by sophomore safety Sean Richardson.

Patrick Benoist, Ryan Hamilton and Bradley Vierling, along with Assistant Head Coach/Defense Bruce Fowler, present the Captain's Award to Chris Marve.

The Dedication Award, voted on the coaching staff, is presented to Chris Reinert. As Coach Johnson said.

Coach Johnson also singled out the team's Leadership Council: Mackenzi Adams, Benoist, Brandon Barden, Hamilton, Myron Lewis, Marve, Reinert, Steven Stone, Vierling, Brett Upson and Thomas Welch.

Johnson concluded the festivities by recognizing the team's 24 seniors, presenting each with a framed gold jersey.

And the Award Winners are...

by Leathers

Eugene Henderson, a counselor in the Office of Academic Support, presents the first honor – the Dr. Henry Tyler Award for outstanding academic achievement. And the winner recipient is senior linebacker and co-captain Patrick Benoist.

The Lifter of the Year Award goes to redshirt junior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman.

Top offensive and defensive scout honors go to offensive lineman Wesley Johnson and linebacker Marc Panu, respectively.

Freshman returner Warren Norman and senior Brett Upson shared the team's Specialist of the Year recognition.

Other Commodores earning special recognition were:
• Receiver of the Year Award – John Cole, redshirt freshman wide receiver
• Offensive Lineman Award – Bradley Vierling, redshirt senior center
• Defensive Lineman Award – T.J. Greenstone, redshirt sophomore tackle
• Linebacker Award – Chris Marve, redshirt sophomore
• Defensive Back Award – Casey Hayward, sophomore cornerback

Full House as Head Coach Starts Player Introductions

by Leathers

After welcoming everyone to the banquet, Head Coach Johnson started the banquet activities by introducing the Commodore specialists, including All-SEC pick and four-year starting punter Brett Upson and All-SEC Freshman kicker Ryan Fowler.

After Coach Johnson concluded, each assistant coach spent a few minutes introducing their position corps, with the offensive staff going first. Announcement of individual and team awards are coming momentarily.

2009 Football Banquet About to Begin

by Leathers

The Vanderbilt Football Banquet is about to start, with Coach Johnson and the Vanderbilt staff hosting a recognition luncheon to honor the 2009 Commodore squad. We'll give updates on all the individual awards announced at the affair.

Nearly 300 players, family members and staffers are expected to attend the event, staged on campus at Vanderbilt Student Life Center.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Stallings' postgame press conference

by Barca Blog

Following Vanderbilt's 76-69 loss to Western Kentucky Friday, head coach Kevin Stallings addressed the media on several topics including the changes to the starting lineup (Jermaine Beal and A.J. Ogilvy came off the bench), his team's overall effort, the defensive breakdowns and shooting struggles, their toughness of schedule so far, and fixing what he termed a "mess." Click Here to Listen

Photo by John Russell

Friday, December 11, 2009

Video (and Quiz) of the Day

by Barca Blog

Not only is it Friday, but it's the holiday season.

Fighting off procrastination in the office is just as tough as saying no to Grandma's eggnogg.

So, if you're just staring at your desk pretending to work like Peter from Office Space, then waste some more time by taking this quiz on the movie Christmas Vacation (thanks for sending Connie). I'm ashamed to say I only got eight of the questions right.

Plus, for a limited time only, I'll throw in the video of the day. I don't know if I've ever met someone who didn't like this film.

Marsh vocal about team's struggles

by Barca Blog

The 18th-ranked Vanderbilt women's basketball team barely escaped Hamden, Conn., with a last-second 75-74 victory over Quinnipiac last night.

It was another sign of the Commodores' struggles since starting forward Jordan Coleman went down with a season-ending knee injury at Wright State on December 2.

Last Friday, the 'Dores lost a nonconference home game (a rarity) to Bowling Green (and trailed by 18 at one point in that game), and then eked out an overtime win over Western Kentucky Sunday.

Senior leader Merideth Marsh voiced her displeasure with the team's play of late following the win over the Bobcats.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thursday in New Haven

By Weinman

The women's basketball team plays Quinnipiac tonight at 7 p.m. ET (6 CT). Quinnipiac is located in Hamden, Connecticut, about 45 minutes south of Hartford. The team is staying on the Square in New Haven across from Yale. During a quick walk around the campus, Charlie Mattos and I ran across Vanderbilt Hall, erected in memory of William Henry Vanderbilt -- the grandson of our own Cornelius Vanderbilt and member of the Yale Class of 1893 -- who died of typhoid fever in 1892.

If you want to follow along with tonight's game, listen to Charlie's radio call and sign up to receive my Twitter updates @VandyWBB.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

'Dores unable to stop Illinois

by Barca Blog

Call it a lackluster effort on defense.

Or just one of those nights when the opponent made every shot they looked at.

Either way, Vanderbilt (6-2) couldn't make a stop when it needed one, falling 79-68 to Illinois Tuesday night inside Assembly Hall.

"It wasn't a very good defensive effort on our team’s part," head coach Kevin Stallings said "You’re not going to win if you don’t go on the road and play with a lot of tenacity and toughness on defense and we just didn’t have it tonight."

Monday, December 7, 2009

Basketball Rankings - December 7

by Barca Blog

With impressive victories over Missouri and DePaul, Vanderbilt's men's basketball team climbed back into the national rankings at No. 24 in the ESPN/USA Today this afternoon.

The Commodores (6-1) are still in the Others Receiving Votes category of the AP Poll with 74 votes, good for 28th overall. Click here to view the complete rankings.

The women's basketball team (8-1) fell two spots to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 after going 2-1 last week. The ESPN/USA Today poll hasn't been released yet.

Here's a video of the day in honor of both teams. Word Up.

(Thanks to AT for sending it in)

NFL Week 13 Recap

by Barca Blog

Congrats to Earl Bennett, who caught his first career touchdown in Chicago's 17-9 win over St. Louis Sunday (AP Photo). Click here to watch video of the play.

See below for Week 13 statistics of former Commodores in the NFL:

Chicago Bears: Defeated St. Louis, 17-9
QB Jay Cutler - Started, 8-17, 143 yds, TD
OL Chris Williams - Started at left tackle
WR Earl Bennett - Started, 2 rec, 74 yds (long 71), TD
LB Hunter Hillenmeyer - Started, 5 tackles, INT, QB hit, PD
DB D.J. Moore - Inactive

Tennessee Titans: Lost to Indianapolis, 27-17
DT Jovan Haye - Started, 1 tackle

Washington Redskins: Lost to New Orleans, 33-30
TE Todd Yoder - Played, but no stats recorded

New York Giants: Defeated Dallas, 31-24
LB Jonathan Goff - Started, 8 tackles

Ogilvy named SEC Player of the Week


By A. Boggs

Commodore junior center A.J. Ogilvy has been named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week for his performances against Missouri and DePaul last week. Ogilvy averaged 22.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in wins over the Tigers and Blue Demons.

The weekly honor is the first for Ogilvy. He won three Freshman of the Week honors in 2007-08, but this is his first POTW honor.

WBB Highlights: Vanderbilt 79, WKU 73

by Barca Blog

Watch video highlights of the Vanderbilt women's basketball team's exciting 79-73 victory over Western Kentucky in overtime Sunday at Memorial Gym.

Make sure you check out VUCommodores' video archive, too, in case you've missed any clips from this season.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Post-DePaul news and notes

by Barca Blog

Extra news and notes from Vanderbilt's 67-54 win over DePaul on Saturday.

VUcommodores' Recap
Check out a full-game replay, highlights, postgame presser footage, quotes, photos and more for the full scoop on the Commodores' victory. Click Here

I posted highlights at the bottom of this blog post, too. If you've missed any clips this season, visit our video archive or our YouTube channel.

Articles from Around the Web
Tennessean: Vanderbilt men hold off DePaul
The City Paper: Ogilvy goes to the line in victory over DePaul

Hinkle Stands Out
Reserve guard Charles Hinkle had one his best games as a Commodore. The Los Alamitos, Calif., native provided a spark off the bench with energy and intensity on both sides of the court. He finished with two points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 10 minutes of action. Eight of those minutes came in the second half of a tight game.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Notes on DePaul game

by Barca Blog

Vanderbilt men's basketball will take on DePaul Saturday at 3 p.m. CT inside Memorial Gym. Fans can watch a free live webcast of the action on vucommodores.com and also get score updates on Twitter @VandyMBB.

Here are a couple of notes to get you ready for tip-off:

*Before the Missouri win, Coach Stallings mentioned that the Commodores needed to do a better job of rebounding. Coach got his wish as the 'Dores dominated the boards by outrebounding the Tigers' 47-26 Wednesday. The +21 rebounding margin was the best single-game margin since 2004 (VU outrebounded Appalachian State 55-32).

Prior to that contest, VU had lost the battle on the boards in four of their five games.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Goff could start Sunday

by Barca Blog

Jonathan Goff may get his first NFL start for the New York Giants Sunday against Dallas.

The former Commodore has been getting reps with the first team at middle linebacker in practice this week after Antonio Pierce was placed on the injured reserve list.

“I’ve been working hard all season," Goff told the media on Wednesday. "I’ve been following along, studying just as much as the other guys. I’m ready for whenever an opportunity may come along. I’d be ready to accept it.”

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Stallings comments on Ezeli

by Barca Blog

I received a couple of emails from fans wondering why sophomore center Festus Ezeli didn't play in Vanderbilt's 89-83 win over Missouri Wednesday night.

No worries, Commodore fans. Head coach Kevin Stallings opted to sit the talented big man due to the Tigers' style of play, and not because of injury.

Katz: 'Commodores have plenty of life'

by Barca Blog

ESPN.com's Andy Katz mentioned Vanderbilt's 89-83 victory over Missouri in his latest post. Katz wrote:
The six-point home win over Missouri will go down as a quality win. The game was well-contested, an entertaining watch and proved the Commodores still have plenty of life.
To read more about last night's game, visit the following links:
Vanderbilt manages to beat Missouri
Commodores shake off road woes
Ogilvy, Taylor lead Commodores

And for video highlights and postgame interviews, check out the recap on vucommodores.com.

(Photo by Steve Green)

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Cut it out

by Barca Blog

This is probably the closest intern Travis will ever get to being on the Commodore men's basketball team. (click to make image bigger)

Actually, the cardboard cut-outs of the hoops squad were used as props during the Memorial Madness student pep rally held prior to Vanderbilt's matchup with Missouri.

Overall, it was a good showing by the Vanderbilt student body... and why not, with a bunch of great prizes to giveaway, just about everyone walked away a winner. The first 500 in attendance received Jermaine Beal replica jerseys, one student won free books for a semester courtesy of the Vanderbilt Bookstore, and to top it off, three kids will have a chance to win $10,000 by shooting a half-court shot at half time. Not too shabby.

Other competitions included a Wendy's chicken nugget eating contest, and the fan call of the game, plus performances by the Spirit of Gold, VU Cheer, and Juggleville. The event ended with free Papa John's pizza for the entire student section.

Now we're ready for tip-off. Follow the action on VUcommodores.com and on Twitter @VandyMBB.

(And in honor of the title of this blog.. I bring you the great Joey Gladstone)

Tough enough

by Barca Blog

Vanderbilt hasn't played a game for a week since playing four games in six days on their trip to California and Hawaii.

With time to focus on fundamentals, what have the Commodores been working on leading up to tonight's contest with Missouri?

"We've been working on rebounding, taking care of the ball, as well as doing a better job in our half-court and full-court defense," head coach Kevin Stallings said. "Those are a couple of areas that need some improvement. You could always say those areas could get better, and we need to get better at everything, but those areas in particular are the ones that we've tried to identify and work on this week."

Missouri tidbits

by Barca Blog

A couple of notes on tonight's opponent: the Missouri Tigers (4-1).

The Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball
Get ready for a fast-paced game inside Memorial. Mike Anderson's squads thrive off pressure defense to control the pace of the game.

Using a tenacious full-court press, UM is averaging 14.2 steals per game, which includes a school-record 24 against Chattanooga on Nov. 24. During last season's Elite Eight run, the Tigers broke the Big 12 record for total steals in a season with 388.

They're also forcing 22.4 turnovers per game with 27.6 points off those opponent miscues.

Madness event for VU students tonight

by Barca Blog

Vandy Fanatics and Vanderbilt Student Government will hold their annual basketball pep rally, Memorial Madness, for VU students prior to tonight's game with Missouri. Students are encouraged to show up to Memorial Gym starting at 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win prizes and participate in on-court promotions.

This is one of my favorite events of the year. The student section is filled two and a half hours prior to tipoff, creating an even more intimidating environment for the opponent as well as an amazing atmosphere for the Commodores.

Oh, and if you aren't pumped yet, then here's a video to get your blood flowing. Thanks to Aaron for editing.

Price hosts charity function Dec. 12

by SID

Former Commodore hurler David Price will be hosting A Night with David Price & Friends scheduled for Dec. 12 from 6-9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt. The dinner and silent/live auction will benefit his Project One Four Foundation and the PENCIL Foundation.

Scheduled to join David at the event are major league umpire Chuck Meriwether, former major leaguer and local standout R.A. Dickey and Vanderbilt pitching coach Derek Johnson. Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will emcee the event which will also feature a panel storytelling and Q&A session.

What they're saying...

by Barca Blog

Get ready for the showdown between Vanderbilt and Missouri by reading Wednesday's articles from around the web.
Jenkins feels at ease
Polar opposites up next for VU hoops
MU wants to pick up the pace
Mizzou to face more than Vanderbilt
Missouri prepares for unique gym