You might remember former Commodore basketball standout Jason Holwerda (2001-05) locking down the opposition's best scorer... Or his ability to finish on a fast break, whether it be a lay-up or a thunderous slam (LSU anyone?)... Or as one of the glue guys on Vanderbilt's 2003-04 Sweet 16 squad. The versatile guard also made his mark in the record books, finishing his career ranked on VU's top 10 lists for steals with 138.
So what's Holwerda doing these days?
Find out by reading Gene Henley's article in today's edition of the Chattanooga Times Free Press - Click Here
Friday, January 9, 2009
Women’s Hoops Tidbits
The Commodores tipped off conference play with an 85-76 road win against Alabama Thursday night. I have listed below interesting statistics, in my opinion, that emerged from that contest.
- The ‘Dores moved to 18-9 (5-2 under Melanie Balcomb) in conference openers with last night’s victory. Vanderbilt kicked off last season with a win against an SEC West foe, beating Mississippi State 72-50 in Memorial Gym. VU also opened the 2006-07 SEC campaign with a 98-61 home win over the West’s Arkansas.
- The Commodores last inaugurated their conference schedule with a road win against the West in the 1999-00 season – a 60-38 decision against Mississippi. Balcomb’s squad moves to 4-3 on the road this season.
- Six ‘Dores scored in double digits against Alabama – Chisholm (11), Marsh (13), Rhoads (12), Risper (17), Tuomi (12) and Wirth (15) – the first time a VU squad has accomplished this since Nov. 20, 2006 against TAMCC.
- Wirth's double-double effort last night, 15 points and 10 rebounds, boosted her into the No. 18 position on VU's all-time scoring list with 1,251. The senior wing player, who entered last night’s affair averaging 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, is 44 points behind Na'Sheema Hillmon (1995-98) for No. 17 all-time.
- Rhoads posted a career-high 12 points against Bama. The sophomore guard’s previous high was 11 points against UT-Martin this season – her only other double-digit effort this season. She also made 6-of-6 free throws – a career high in both makes and attempts.
- Risper netted a season-high 17 points last night. The senior guard averaged 6.7 per contest and has totaled double-digit scoring marks in one other game this season – 14 against Cal State-Fullerton. (Risper’s career high (20) came against Ole Miss last season)
- Chisholm, who scored 11, has tallied 117 points in only 16 games this season, shattering her 2007-08 effort of 34 points in 19 contests. The sophomore forward has amassed double-digit efforts in five contests this year, averaging 7.1 points per game before last night.
- Six different VU players have led the team in single game scoring this season: Wirth (six times); Tuomi (five times); Marsh (twice); Mooney (twice), Gibbs (once); and now Risper.
- Alabama entered last night’s tilt holding opponents to 59.3 points per game and 33.7 percent field goal shooting. The Commodores smashed both of those stats with 85 points on 55.4 percent shooting.
- Though Balcomb’s players were outrebounded 38-35, they still held the Crimson Tide below their season average of 46.7 boards per contest with a plus-6.6 rebounding advantage (VU matched its season average of 35.6 boards per game).
- Vanderbilt ranked 10th in the country in field goal percentage at 46.5 percent entering last night’s contest, and eclipsed that mark with 55.4 percent shooting against Alabama.
- The Commodores possessed the No. 34 position in the country in assists per game (16) before the Bama game, which they also eclipsed with 18 last night.
- Balcomb’s unit, 37th in the country in turnovers with 15.7 per contest entering last night’s matchup, gave it up 15 times.
RELATED LINKS: Game Recap | Women's Hoop Home Page
- The ‘Dores moved to 18-9 (5-2 under Melanie Balcomb) in conference openers with last night’s victory. Vanderbilt kicked off last season with a win against an SEC West foe, beating Mississippi State 72-50 in Memorial Gym. VU also opened the 2006-07 SEC campaign with a 98-61 home win over the West’s Arkansas.
- The Commodores last inaugurated their conference schedule with a road win against the West in the 1999-00 season – a 60-38 decision against Mississippi. Balcomb’s squad moves to 4-3 on the road this season.
- Six ‘Dores scored in double digits against Alabama – Chisholm (11), Marsh (13), Rhoads (12), Risper (17), Tuomi (12) and Wirth (15) – the first time a VU squad has accomplished this since Nov. 20, 2006 against TAMCC.
- Wirth's double-double effort last night, 15 points and 10 rebounds, boosted her into the No. 18 position on VU's all-time scoring list with 1,251. The senior wing player, who entered last night’s affair averaging 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, is 44 points behind Na'Sheema Hillmon (1995-98) for No. 17 all-time.
- Rhoads posted a career-high 12 points against Bama. The sophomore guard’s previous high was 11 points against UT-Martin this season – her only other double-digit effort this season. She also made 6-of-6 free throws – a career high in both makes and attempts.
- Risper netted a season-high 17 points last night. The senior guard averaged 6.7 per contest and has totaled double-digit scoring marks in one other game this season – 14 against Cal State-Fullerton. (Risper’s career high (20) came against Ole Miss last season)
- Chisholm, who scored 11, has tallied 117 points in only 16 games this season, shattering her 2007-08 effort of 34 points in 19 contests. The sophomore forward has amassed double-digit efforts in five contests this year, averaging 7.1 points per game before last night.
- Six different VU players have led the team in single game scoring this season: Wirth (six times); Tuomi (five times); Marsh (twice); Mooney (twice), Gibbs (once); and now Risper.
- Alabama entered last night’s tilt holding opponents to 59.3 points per game and 33.7 percent field goal shooting. The Commodores smashed both of those stats with 85 points on 55.4 percent shooting.
- Though Balcomb’s players were outrebounded 38-35, they still held the Crimson Tide below their season average of 46.7 boards per contest with a plus-6.6 rebounding advantage (VU matched its season average of 35.6 boards per game).
- Vanderbilt ranked 10th in the country in field goal percentage at 46.5 percent entering last night’s contest, and eclipsed that mark with 55.4 percent shooting against Alabama.
- The Commodores possessed the No. 34 position in the country in assists per game (16) before the Bama game, which they also eclipsed with 18 last night.
- Balcomb’s unit, 37th in the country in turnovers with 15.7 per contest entering last night’s matchup, gave it up 15 times.
RELATED LINKS: Game Recap | Women's Hoop Home Page
Submit your 2009 Hall of Fame ballots
Vanderbilt is now accepting applications for the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame class.If you thought a Commodore great was left off of last year's inaugural class, then download a nomination form today and let your voice be heard. (click here)
Applications will be accepted until March 6.
Who do you think should be added to the 2009 class? Post your comments below!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Pre-Bama game interview with Balcomb
Women's hoops tips off SEC play tonight at 6 p.m. against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. I sat down with Head Coach Melanie Balcomb and discussed the results the Commodores' preseason schedule and tonight's matchup with 'Bama.
Click here to read the game preview.
J: Going into SEC play, how do you assess the team’s progress thus far?
M: Obviously we’ve played all kinds of different teams that have done all kinds of different things to us. I think what it did is it gave us great learning experiences, and we have to learn from them. Whether we have or not you’ll see now in SEC play – how much we’ve learned from the types of different teams that we’ve played outside of conference that are very different matchups for us than SEC teams.
J: What specifically have you learned through the non-conference matchups?
M: We’ve tried all different lineups. We’ve tried playing different players at different positions. We’ve tried different defenses. Our offensive execution has not been strong. We haven’t been really good at anything. I think that’s one of the things that we’re working on, is trying to figure out what’s going to be our bread and butter, what are we going to be really good at, because you have to be really good at something. You can’t just be average at everything. I think that’s what the preseason’s for. Right now, I think we’re better defensively than we are offensively, and that’s where we were last year going into the SEC as well.
J: What does the team need to do to beat Alabama?
M: Transition defense and rebounding… transition D and checkouts are going to be real important against them.
J: Are there any Alabama players that you’re focusing on?
M: No; their leading scorer Tierney Jenkins hurt us last year. She doesn’t start right now. She used to start. I think she’s coming off the bench, and she’s their leading scorer. But, they have other kids who can score. We just need to take them out of what they do, not personnel per se.
J: The Commodores played well against Alabama last year. Are there any similarities between this season’s and last season’s opponent?
M: No; actually they have a brand new coach, so they’re very different. So, I didn’t even look at last year’s tape because it wouldn’t do us any good. They have a new coach and a new philosophy on both ends of the floor. That makes it a little more difficult. They’re a little more unknown to us.
Three of your four losses have come on the road. Are you concerned with playing on the road?
M: No; I think they were matchup problems. I don’t think it would have mattered if they were here or away. I haven’t even thought about that as being our problem. We’ve always traditionally been a better team sometimes on the road than we have at home. I think our crowd’s been good. We almost upset Notre Dame that was No. 6 in the country at the time. We played very well for 25 minutes, but didn’t play for 40.
We’re worrying too much about what the other team is doing instead of just taking care of us. I think that we have a better mindset in the SEC about taking care of us. That’s the biggest thing I learned from the preseason. We need to stop worrying about what the other team is doing, that takes your power away.
J: Final thoughts:
M: We’re just looking forward to getting into SEC play and get it off to a good start.
Click here to read the game preview.
J: Going into SEC play, how do you assess the team’s progress thus far?
M: Obviously we’ve played all kinds of different teams that have done all kinds of different things to us. I think what it did is it gave us great learning experiences, and we have to learn from them. Whether we have or not you’ll see now in SEC play – how much we’ve learned from the types of different teams that we’ve played outside of conference that are very different matchups for us than SEC teams.
J: What specifically have you learned through the non-conference matchups?
M: We’ve tried all different lineups. We’ve tried playing different players at different positions. We’ve tried different defenses. Our offensive execution has not been strong. We haven’t been really good at anything. I think that’s one of the things that we’re working on, is trying to figure out what’s going to be our bread and butter, what are we going to be really good at, because you have to be really good at something. You can’t just be average at everything. I think that’s what the preseason’s for. Right now, I think we’re better defensively than we are offensively, and that’s where we were last year going into the SEC as well.
J: What does the team need to do to beat Alabama?
M: Transition defense and rebounding… transition D and checkouts are going to be real important against them.
J: Are there any Alabama players that you’re focusing on?
M: No; their leading scorer Tierney Jenkins hurt us last year. She doesn’t start right now. She used to start. I think she’s coming off the bench, and she’s their leading scorer. But, they have other kids who can score. We just need to take them out of what they do, not personnel per se.
J: The Commodores played well against Alabama last year. Are there any similarities between this season’s and last season’s opponent?
M: No; actually they have a brand new coach, so they’re very different. So, I didn’t even look at last year’s tape because it wouldn’t do us any good. They have a new coach and a new philosophy on both ends of the floor. That makes it a little more difficult. They’re a little more unknown to us.
Three of your four losses have come on the road. Are you concerned with playing on the road?
M: No; I think they were matchup problems. I don’t think it would have mattered if they were here or away. I haven’t even thought about that as being our problem. We’ve always traditionally been a better team sometimes on the road than we have at home. I think our crowd’s been good. We almost upset Notre Dame that was No. 6 in the country at the time. We played very well for 25 minutes, but didn’t play for 40.
We’re worrying too much about what the other team is doing instead of just taking care of us. I think that we have a better mindset in the SEC about taking care of us. That’s the biggest thing I learned from the preseason. We need to stop worrying about what the other team is doing, that takes your power away.
J: Final thoughts:
M: We’re just looking forward to getting into SEC play and get it off to a good start.
There's no easy way out
Rupp Arena.A place where Kentucky has won almost 90 percent (422-56) of its games since it was opened in 1976. A venue that routinely holds over 23,000 screaming fans dressed in a sea of blue. And the home of the NCAA’s all-time winningest program which boasts seven national titles.
Rupp will be the scene of Saturday’s conference opener as Vanderbilt will make its annual trip to Lexington to take on Kentucky.
“It’s intimidating, and a very, very difficult place to play,” Head Coach Kevin Stallings said. “We’ll probably have to play our best game in order to have a chance to win.”
With only four players on the active roster that have taken the floor at Rupp, Stallings plans to take his team on a walk-through Friday night to give them a feel for the building. He joked that he might even pull a scene out of the movie Hoosiers to show that Kentucky’s arena has the same court dimensions as Memorial Gym.
“I’ll have them go out and shoot a few balls to have them understand that our balls can go in their baskets, too.”
Vanderbilt was 0-for-28 at Rupp until scoring a 57-52 victory over the Wildcats on January 10, 2006. The Commodores followed that performance with a win in 2007, and barely dropped last year’s game in double-overtime.
Even with the Commodores’ recent success, sophomore forward Darshawn McClellan knows how tough of an arena it can be.
“Rupp is just crazy,” said McClellan, who scored a career-best 10 points in his only trip. “It’s loud. When I first got there, I was kind of nervous. But, you just have to handle it.”
Freshman guard/forward Lance Goulbourne has never experienced the environment first hand, but has already heard stories of the fabled place.
“People have told me that it’s probably the toughest place we’ll play this season,” said Goulbourne. “I just have to come out and be ready to play, get my teammates hyped, get me hyped and just be ready to go.”
And as Stallings sees it, the Commodores have two ways they can respond to Saturday’s challenge:
“They can choose to go up there and be intimidated or they can choose to embrace one of the most enjoyable and neat things about college basketball.”
Lady Vols come to town Sunday; Tickets available
Reserve your seats for the women's basketball team's showdown with No. 7 Tennessee this Sunday at 2 p.m. CT inside Memorial Gym. Tickets are only $21 and can be purchased by calling (615) 322-GOLD or clicking here.
Here are some of the scheduled promotions:
*A special halftime performance by the Red Panda Acrobat
*First 2,000 fans through the door will receive a free Vanderbilt bandana sponsored by the VU Bookstore
*First 1000 Vanderbilt students will receive a free "WAR ON I-40" t-shirt
Vanderbilt will open SEC play tonight at Alabama at 6 p.m. CT.
(Read the game preview)
Here are some of the scheduled promotions:
*A special halftime performance by the Red Panda Acrobat
*First 2,000 fans through the door will receive a free Vanderbilt bandana sponsored by the VU Bookstore
*First 1000 Vanderbilt students will receive a free "WAR ON I-40" t-shirt
Vanderbilt will open SEC play tonight at Alabama at 6 p.m. CT.
(Read the game preview)
Radio, Radio
Here's a photo (courtesy of John Russell) of Coach Johnson on the 104.5 The Zone’s “SportZone” Wednesday afternoon at the Blackstone Brewery on West End Avenue. Thanks to all the Commodore fans that came out to the show!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
SEC-TV feature on Ogilvy
In this week's show, SEC-TV takes a closer look at A.J. Ogilvy’s sophomore season and how he plans to lead the Commodores to success. Catch the feature at the following times:
Thursday, January 8 at 5:30 p.m. CT
on FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas and FOX Sports Tennessee
Friday, January 9 at 8:30 a.m. CT
on SportSouth
Thursday, January 8 at 5:30 p.m. CT
on FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas and FOX Sports Tennessee
Friday, January 9 at 8:30 a.m. CT
on SportSouth
Ogilvy update
Men's Basketball Head Coach Kevin Stallings commented earlier this week on the status of sophomore center A.J. Ogilvy.
Ogilvy missed the first game of his career against Saint Francis on December 31 with a right foot injury. He returned to the lineup in the Commodores’ last outing against UMass on January 3 and contributed 14 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes.
“A.J. is recovering fine, but we’re still being very protective and careful with him. He probably practiced for half the practice Monday and looked good. His health is obviously critical to our team. We can’t afford to have him go down.”
“I think it’s something that we’re going to have to continue to deal with, but I’m not concerned about his ability to play this weekend.”
Vanderbilt will return to the court Saturday for its SEC opener at Kentucky.
Ogilvy missed the first game of his career against Saint Francis on December 31 with a right foot injury. He returned to the lineup in the Commodores’ last outing against UMass on January 3 and contributed 14 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes.
“A.J. is recovering fine, but we’re still being very protective and careful with him. He probably practiced for half the practice Monday and looked good. His health is obviously critical to our team. We can’t afford to have him go down.”
“I think it’s something that we’re going to have to continue to deal with, but I’m not concerned about his ability to play this weekend.”
Vanderbilt will return to the court Saturday for its SEC opener at Kentucky.
Remembering Music City Bowl Magic
Stop whatever you're doing and watch this five-minute video courtesy of Vanderbilt News Service Video Productions.
They did a wonderful job of chronicling just what the Music City Bowl victory meant to us all.
What a day it was!
Enjoy!
They did a wonderful job of chronicling just what the Music City Bowl victory meant to us all.
What a day it was!
Enjoy!
Johnson's upcoming radio appearances
Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson will appear on a pair of Nashville radio shows in the next two days.
Coach Johnson will appear Wednesday afternoon on the 104.5 The Zone’s “SportZone” show with co-hosts George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland.Johnson will join the hosts for a 45-minute segment starting at 3:15 p.m., during a remote show that will air from Blackstone Brewery on West End Avenue. Listen to 104.5 Live
On Thursday morning, Johnson will appear on WNSR AM-560 with co-hosts Greg Pogue and David Coleman. Johnson’s interview on AM-560 starts at 8:25 a.m. Listen to 560 Live
Coach Johnson will appear Wednesday afternoon on the 104.5 The Zone’s “SportZone” show with co-hosts George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland.Johnson will join the hosts for a 45-minute segment starting at 3:15 p.m., during a remote show that will air from Blackstone Brewery on West End Avenue. Listen to 104.5 Live
On Thursday morning, Johnson will appear on WNSR AM-560 with co-hosts Greg Pogue and David Coleman. Johnson’s interview on AM-560 starts at 8:25 a.m. Listen to 560 Live
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Video: Goulbourne rocks the rim, part I
I’m sure you’ve heard by now about freshman Lance Goulbourne’s monster dunk in the second half of Vanderbilt’s 78-48 victory at UMass last Saturday.
I talked to Lance on Monday about the jam… here’s what he had to say:
“I think that was the first dunk that I’ve really had this season. I had one earlier, but it wasn’t really that great. It felt good to get up there and get above the rim again. Everyone was pretty excited. We called a timeout and teammates kept slapping me. It was a fun thing to do.”
And in case you haven’t seen it, then here’s the footage courtesy of CBS CollegeSports:
I talked to Lance on Monday about the jam… here’s what he had to say:
“I think that was the first dunk that I’ve really had this season. I had one earlier, but it wasn’t really that great. It felt good to get up there and get above the rim again. Everyone was pretty excited. We called a timeout and teammates kept slapping me. It was a fun thing to do.”
And in case you haven’t seen it, then here’s the footage courtesy of CBS CollegeSports:
McClellan making strides
Darshawn McClellan’s taking advantage of his return to the starting lineup.In his first two starts since December 3 against Illinois-Chicago, the sophomore forward contributed five points and five rebounds against Saint Francis on December 31, and matched a career-high with 10 points with five rebounds and three assists at UMass last Saturday.
“I’m really excited about the way he’s playing right now,” said Head Coach Kevin Stallings.
Before the Commodores’ win over Saint Francis, McClellan was averaging 2.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12 games, four of which were starts. So what's been the difference in his play?
“I think for me, I’ve gotten healthy,” McCllelan said prior to Monday’s practice. “When the season started, I wasn’t 100 percent with my foot, my Achilles. I had a lot of aches and pains. But right now, I think I’m getting healthy and it’s working out for me.”
“Darshawn’s just now getting back to where he doesn’t play with pain in practice,” added Stallings. “I think that’s why we’re seeing him play better in games, because now he’s getting better because he’s healthy and he can get better. He can practice the whole time. It really delayed him getting back to 100 percent. But, he’s playing well right now.”
McClellan also attributes his injury recovery to his recent success in outside shooting. He hit two 3-pointers against the Minutemen, and has gone 5-for-9 from behind the arc in his last five outings.
“I think being out I was able to focus on my form, and get my technique down,” said McClellan, who has already surpassed his freshman season total of 3-point field goals (4) . “It’s helping me out in the games right now.”
With the Commodores riding a six-game winning streak heading into conference play, McClellan isn’t concerned about whether he starts or comes off the bench, but only with the outcome on the scoreboard.
“It doesn’t matter to me as long as I’m out there helping my team and contributing, then I’m fine with it.”
2008 Football - Regular Season Highlights
Watch video highlights from the Commodores' 2008 football regular season below. You can also visit our Athletics YouTube site here.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Stallings discusses Graham's return
During Monday afternoon's press conference at Memorial Gym, Head Coach Kevin Stallings talked about Jamie Graham's return to basketball practice:
“We’re getting him a month later than we got him last year, and all for great reasons. I’m thrilled about them going to the bowl game and thrilled about them winning. We’ll have to put our patient hat on because today will be his first practice.
“Last year it took us a couple of months before we got him ready to play, and if it takes that long again, then obviously, people are going to have to be patient that."
“When he came out last year, I didn’t even think he would play. I was just doing Bobby (Johnson) a favor. Then I realized he’s a good player. So we’ll see how long it takes him to get familiar with what’s going on."
“He’s a tough guy that plays real hard every day. He has a great attitude and is great in the locker room and a great guy to be around.”
“We’re getting him a month later than we got him last year, and all for great reasons. I’m thrilled about them going to the bowl game and thrilled about them winning. We’ll have to put our patient hat on because today will be his first practice.
“Last year it took us a couple of months before we got him ready to play, and if it takes that long again, then obviously, people are going to have to be patient that."
“When he came out last year, I didn’t even think he would play. I was just doing Bobby (Johnson) a favor. Then I realized he’s a good player. So we’ll see how long it takes him to get familiar with what’s going on."
“He’s a tough guy that plays real hard every day. He has a great attitude and is great in the locker room and a great guy to be around.”
Graham returns to the hardwood
It didn’t take long for Jamie Graham to put his focus back on the hardwood.Less than a week after helping the football team to its first bowl win since 1955, the sophomore guard participated in basketball practice for the first time this season on Monday afternoon.
“I was happy that we won the bowl game, but my mind has also been on basketball,” said Graham, who spent the last few days relaxing with family in Nashville. “I’ve been watching a lot of basketball lately and shot some the other day just to do something. I’m feeling good right now.”
With the Commodores preparing for its SEC opener at Kentucky Saturday, the sport transition won’t be easy. Graham made the switch last year a month earlier (Dec. 4, 2007) and was able to contribute in four games before conference play.
“It’s a lot harder (than last year) because I’m coming in right during SEC time. It’s when the game really starts getting tough. I’m going to have to make a big adjustment coming in from football.”
Graham will also have the grueling task of receiving little rest between sports.
“I’m sore, but that’s why I came out here this week. I have to get my body back in shape for basketball and hopefully I’ll work all the soreness out.”
A crowd favorite off the bench, Graham played in 15 games last year, averaging 4.3 minutes and 1.5 points per game. He had career-highs in minutes (10) and points (6) in the Commodores’ NCAA loss to Siena.
While his return date to the lineup is still in question, one thing is for sure. Graham will be looking forward to moving back indoors.
“It started getting a little too cold outside so it’s time for basketball.”
Stallings' Call-In Show Tonight
Kevin Stallings' Call-In Show airs live from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT Monday at the Commodore Grille. Listen locally on 104.5 the Zone or online on VUcommodores.com.
Vanderbilt closed out its non-conference schedule with a 78-48 rout of UMass in Amherst and will open its SEC slate at Kentucky this Saturday.
Vanderbilt closed out its non-conference schedule with a 78-48 rout of UMass in Amherst and will open its SEC slate at Kentucky this Saturday.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It's been such a long time...
Yes, indeed, it has been.
Thanks to Andrew for submitting this video by Boston (only one of the greatest rock bands of our time) in dedication of the bowl victory.
And if you have a video you want to post, send me a comment. It doesn't have to be bowl-related either.
Thanks to Andrew for submitting this video by Boston (only one of the greatest rock bands of our time) in dedication of the bowl victory.
And if you have a video you want to post, send me a comment. It doesn't have to be bowl-related either.
Richardson relishes moment
Freshman Sean Richardson scored Vanderbilt's only touchdown of the Music City Bowl, a serendipitous play that will forever live in the chapters of Commodore history.With Vanderbilt trailing 7-6 in the third quarter, Brett Upson's punt bounced off the knee of Boston College's Paul Anderson, causing a scramble for the ball that ended with Richardson getting his first collegiate touchdown.
“It was a great moment,” Richardson told the Demopolis Times. “I just knew it was a touchdown because I saw the ball hit the opponent. As the referees were going over what really happened, I heard them say ‘touchdown.’”
Richardson was one of three true freshmen to see action this season (along with Casey Hayward and John Cole). He played second team strong safety in every game and also contributed on special teams, earning Specialist of the Week honors following Florida and Kentucky games for effort on coverage units.
Richardson should compete for the starting strong safety job in the spring with the graduation of Reshard Langford.
Read more on Richardson in today's edition of the Demopolis Times.
Friday, January 2, 2009
More Bowl Reaction
Thanks to some footage provided by Vanderbilt News Service Video Productions, we have some on-the-field reaction from head coach Bobby Johnson, wide receiver George Smith and tailback Gaston Miller following the Commodores' Music City Bowl victory.
Check out the video below:
Visit our Athletics YouTube page for more clips - Click Here
Figuring out football
Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News has a good Q&A with men's basketball sophomore center A.J. Ogilvy. One of the topics that came up was his interest in American football.
Sporting News: Now that you've been living here almost two years, what's your favorite thing about the U.S?
Ogilvy: Definitely the way they get excited about sports, especially college sports. Football, basketball, everything.
SN: How long has it taken you to figure out American football?
Ogilvy: Until this year. I'd watched a bit of it back home, but I didn't really understand all the rules. Gradually people explained it more and more. I understand most of the rules now. It makes more sense to me now.
Click Here to read the entire interview.
Vanderbilt will take on UMass (5-7) Saturday at 4 p.m. CT in Amherst, Mass. The game will be televised by CBS CollegeSports. Ogilvy, who missed the Commodores' game on Wednesday with a foot injury, is scheduled to make the trip.
Sporting News: Now that you've been living here almost two years, what's your favorite thing about the U.S?
Ogilvy: Definitely the way they get excited about sports, especially college sports. Football, basketball, everything.
SN: How long has it taken you to figure out American football?
Ogilvy: Until this year. I'd watched a bit of it back home, but I didn't really understand all the rules. Gradually people explained it more and more. I understand most of the rules now. It makes more sense to me now.
Click Here to read the entire interview.
Vanderbilt will take on UMass (5-7) Saturday at 4 p.m. CT in Amherst, Mass. The game will be televised by CBS CollegeSports. Ogilvy, who missed the Commodores' game on Wednesday with a foot injury, is scheduled to make the trip.
Looking Ahead - 2009 Football Schedule
With the 2008 slate completed, here's a look at the tentative schedule for next season.
2009 Schedule
Sept. 5 ----- Western Carolina
Sept. 12 ---- at LSU
Sept. 19 ---- Ole Miss
Sept. 26 ---- at Rice
Oct. 3 ------ Mississippi State
Oct. 10 ----- at Army
Oct. 17 ----- Georgia
Oct. 24 ----- at South Carolina
Oct. 31 ----- Georgia Tech
Nov. 7 ------ at Florida
Nov. 14 ----- Kentucky
Nov. 21 ----- at Tennessee
To see a complete listing of future schedules, click here.
2009 Schedule
Sept. 5 ----- Western Carolina
Sept. 12 ---- at LSU
Sept. 19 ---- Ole Miss
Sept. 26 ---- at Rice
Oct. 3 ------ Mississippi State
Oct. 10 ----- at Army
Oct. 17 ----- Georgia
Oct. 24 ----- at South Carolina
Oct. 31 ----- Georgia Tech
Nov. 7 ------ at Florida
Nov. 14 ----- Kentucky
Nov. 21 ----- at Tennessee
To see a complete listing of future schedules, click here.
Nickson: 'Best way you could end it'
Chris Nickson deserved a storybook ending.The fifth-year senior quarterback was a major factor in getting the Commodores to its first bowl game since 1982. He led Vanderbilt to its first 5-0 start since World War II and played a key role in the sixth victory at Kentucky.
Even with injuries the past two seasons, Nickson guided Vanderbilt to 13 wins (in 27 games) during his three years as a starter and finished as the school's all-time leading rusher at that position.
"If you were writing a book, this is about the best way you could end it," Nickson told The Associated Press. "It's been a great journey for me, full of ups and downs. I've grown as a man and developed so much of my character just through football. It just shows if you put your mind to something you can finish it. It's been a great, great journey."
Even with injuries the past two seasons, Nickson guided Vanderbilt to 13 wins (in 27 games) during his three years as a starter and finished as the school's all-time leading rusher at that position.
"If you were writing a book, this is about the best way you could end it," Nickson told The Associated Press. "It's been a great journey for me, full of ups and downs. I've grown as a man and developed so much of my character just through football. It just shows if you put your mind to something you can finish it. It's been a great, great journey."
With eighteen starters from the bowl game scheduled to return in 2009, including redshirt freshman quarterback Larry Smith, the future looks promising according to Nickson.
"And we have about 12 other guys just like (Smith) on the bench right now. It's going to be fun watching them. I can't wait to see them play."
To read the entire article, click here.
"And we have about 12 other guys just like (Smith) on the bench right now. It's going to be fun watching them. I can't wait to see them play."
To read the entire article, click here.
Replay of Bowl Game on CSS Right Now
If you have CSS, turn on the tube and watch a replay of Vanderbilt's exciting 16-14 win over Boston College. The broadcast started at 11:30 a.m. CT.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Oh, what a feeling
One of the special things about yesterday's game is that so many die-hard fans, who have waited a lifetime for a bowl victory, were finally rewarded.
Like Daniel Stockton.
I've known Daniel since I was hired at Vanderbilt in 2003. Through good times and bad, he's been a loyal supporter of the program and always had faith in the Commodores.
And I know there are more of you out there like him. Congratulations to all of you and thank you for supporting the best student-athletes in the country.
Daniel posted a video of the final minute of celebration from section 207 at LP Field. It will definitely give you chills.
If you have a fan video from the game, let me know, and I'll put it in the blog.
Like Daniel Stockton.
I've known Daniel since I was hired at Vanderbilt in 2003. Through good times and bad, he's been a loyal supporter of the program and always had faith in the Commodores.
And I know there are more of you out there like him. Congratulations to all of you and thank you for supporting the best student-athletes in the country.
Daniel posted a video of the final minute of celebration from section 207 at LP Field. It will definitely give you chills.
If you have a fan video from the game, let me know, and I'll put it in the blog.
Music City Bowl Championship Gear
Celebrate the Commodores victory in the 2008 Music City Bowl with this short sleeve championship t-shirt.CLICK HERE to order merchandise from the Vanderbilt Bookstore.
Sweet Victory!
After watching the previous video, it made me think of Spongebob's "Sweet Victory" song.
Amazing, simply amazing.
(Oh, Patrick's performance on the drums stands right up there with Keith Moon.)
Amazing, simply amazing.
(Oh, Patrick's performance on the drums stands right up there with Keith Moon.)
Music City Bowl Video Highlights
Watch ESPN Gameday's highlights (below) of Vanderbilt's bowl win plus the crew talks about D.J. Moore's announcement to enter the NFL Draft.
Thursday's Bowl Articles
Read Thursday's news articles on Vanderbilt's victory over Boston College in the Music City Bowl.The Tennessean
Hahnfeldt hits the kick
Vanderbilt hears musical cheers
VU finishes 2008 as a winner
Moore says he will go pro now
Freshman gives spark
VU benefited from late penalties
Music City Bowl report card
Nashville City Paper
Vanderbilt rallies for 16-14 victory
Special teams play a big part
Moore says he's headed to NFL
Quarterback combo works ... sort of
The Associated Press
Vanderbilt gets 1st bowl win
The Jackson Sun
Everything Vanderbilt-like
Lewis' INT seals historic win
The Leaf Chronicle
Kicker, punter made difference
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Vanderbilt makes a statement
The Champ is Here
Bowl Final: Vanderbilt 16, Boston College 14Here are some postgame football links definitely worth checking out:
*John Russell's outstanding game photos of the Music City Bowl Champions - Click Here.
*Send a message to the team by submiting comments here.
*Schulz's column on the impact of Vanderbilt's special teams
*And plenty of free interviews and more inside the recap.
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