From Mike Kranzler, The Vanderbilt Hustler
The big man is back on campus.
Earl Bennett, the Southeastern Conference's career receptions leader and current member of the Chicago Bears, has come back to Vanderbilt to work towards his undergraduate degree in the off-season.
"Getting my degree has always been a number one priority so it's a must on my agenda," said Bennett, who is pursuing degrees in both sociology and educational studies.
Click Here to read the rest of Kranzler's article.
Friday, January 23, 2009
More Music City Bowl Highlights
I could watch these clips over and over and over again. They just never get old.
Don't try this at home
Sure, the NFL season is winding down with the Super Bowl only a week away... But it's never too early to start looking ahead to your fantasy team next year.
January Issue of Commodore Nation
The January 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 the stories in this issue is a piece on professional baseball players, who continue to call Vanderbilt home during the offseason. I also caught up with former Vanderbilt quarterback Eric Jones.
The February 2009 issue will be mailed next week.
Included among the stories in this issue is a piece on professional baseball players, who continue to call Vanderbilt home during the offseason. I also caught up with former Vanderbilt quarterback Eric Jones.
The February 2009 issue will be mailed next week.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wirth gets ahead
Here's another outstanding article from today... this time from The City Paper's David Boclair. Boclair provides us with a superb feature on women's basketball senior Christina Wirth. Take a few minutes to sit down and read this -- click here.
Exciting Ending
No. 24 Florida comes to town Sunday after a heartbreaking 70-69 loss at South Carolina last night.
The Gators (16-3, 3-1) were on their way to extending their win streak to 11 and had a seven point lead with 2:27 remaining... But South Carolina (13-4, 2-2) battled back and capitalized on the Florida’s inability to convert two one-and-one tries in the final 12 seconds to create one of the best finishes in college basketball this season.
Watch the video below to see for yourself courtesy of GamecocksOnline.com.
Losses like that have to be gut-wrenching for a coach. I asked Kevin Stallings earlier today about the emotions a coach goes through after a difficult loss like that.
“It was one of the craziest finishes I’ve ever seen. It’s no fun to lose one like that. I’ve had it happen in the last second where the ball gets thrown the length of the floor. It’s a very frustrating feeling because you can go back and think of 900 things in that game that you could have done differently to have changed (the outcome). But the truth is you probably think there’s something you could have done about it, but there’s really nothing you could have done about it.”
The Gators (16-3, 3-1) were on their way to extending their win streak to 11 and had a seven point lead with 2:27 remaining... But South Carolina (13-4, 2-2) battled back and capitalized on the Florida’s inability to convert two one-and-one tries in the final 12 seconds to create one of the best finishes in college basketball this season.
Watch the video below to see for yourself courtesy of GamecocksOnline.com.
Losses like that have to be gut-wrenching for a coach. I asked Kevin Stallings earlier today about the emotions a coach goes through after a difficult loss like that.
“It was one of the craziest finishes I’ve ever seen. It’s no fun to lose one like that. I’ve had it happen in the last second where the ball gets thrown the length of the floor. It’s a very frustrating feeling because you can go back and think of 900 things in that game that you could have done differently to have changed (the outcome). But the truth is you probably think there’s something you could have done about it, but there’s really nothing you could have done about it.”
Mascot Basketball video
I loaded in some footage of Sunday's mascot basketball game (sponsored by Noshville Deli), which took place during halftime of the women's matchup with LSU.
A few thoughts...
Best Entrance: Watch the 1:00 mark for Pint Man, the 6'7" Lactose legend, from Purity Dairy. He's pregame enthusiasm ranks right up there with Ray Lewis.
Upon Further Review: Screech from Best One Tire snuck a wrench into the game and wreaked some havoc on the Black team. The ref must have been distracted, because no one saw his attack coming. I wonder if he had brass knucks or a steel chair in the tire as well. We'll find out in the next few days if the Mascot Union gives the tire a hefty suspension for using an illegal object.
Best Moment: Check out Ozzie (Nashville Sounds) at the 3:50 mark. Ozzie almost hit a behind-the-back shot from half court. That had ESPN Top 10 written all over it.
MVP: I've got to give it to the Noshville Pickle. The Pickle was all over the boards and played some tenacious D... and also hit the game-winner on a fadeaway jumper off the glass to to lift the Black Team to a 4-3 victory over Gold (even though the video says the Gold Team won 3-2). Champ (Vanderbilt Children's Hospital) had the other basket for Black, while Gnash (Nashville Predators) showed off his long-range skills by nailing a three-pointer for Gold's only points.
Watch video of the entire game below:
A few thoughts...
Best Entrance: Watch the 1:00 mark for Pint Man, the 6'7" Lactose legend, from Purity Dairy. He's pregame enthusiasm ranks right up there with Ray Lewis.
Upon Further Review: Screech from Best One Tire snuck a wrench into the game and wreaked some havoc on the Black team. The ref must have been distracted, because no one saw his attack coming. I wonder if he had brass knucks or a steel chair in the tire as well. We'll find out in the next few days if the Mascot Union gives the tire a hefty suspension for using an illegal object.
Best Moment: Check out Ozzie (Nashville Sounds) at the 3:50 mark. Ozzie almost hit a behind-the-back shot from half court. That had ESPN Top 10 written all over it.
MVP: I've got to give it to the Noshville Pickle. The Pickle was all over the boards and played some tenacious D... and also hit the game-winner on a fadeaway jumper off the glass to to lift the Black Team to a 4-3 victory over Gold (even though the video says the Gold Team won 3-2). Champ (Vanderbilt Children's Hospital) had the other basket for Black, while Gnash (Nashville Predators) showed off his long-range skills by nailing a three-pointer for Gold's only points.
Watch video of the entire game below:
Arkansas writer ranks SEC basketball venues
Wally Hall of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette recently ranked his list of the toughest basketball venues in the SEC.
I'm going to be honest... I'm flabbergasted by where he put Vanderbilt in the East Division. I'm sure if you took a poll of each coach in the SEC you would have different results.
Read for yourself and feel free to comment.
I'm going to be honest... I'm flabbergasted by where he put Vanderbilt in the East Division. I'm sure if you took a poll of each coach in the SEC you would have different results.
Read for yourself and feel free to comment.
Kiper's NFL Mock Draft
In his latest NFL Mock Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper projects Vanderbilt junior cornerback D.J. Moore to go to Baltimore as the 26th overall pick in the first round. Kiper also has Moore's stock rising on his Big Board at No. 21. Click Here for more.
Two Commodores have been selected in the first round of the draft in the last three years -- Chris Williams (2008, 14th overall by Chicago) and Jay Cutler (2006, 11th overall by Denver).
The 2009 NFL Draft will take place on April 25 and 26 in New York.
Two Commodores have been selected in the first round of the draft in the last three years -- Chris Williams (2008, 14th overall by Chicago) and Jay Cutler (2006, 11th overall by Denver).
The 2009 NFL Draft will take place on April 25 and 26 in New York.
Heel injury slows Ogilvy
Maurice Patton has an in-depth article in today's Tennesseean about A.J. Ogilvy's battle with a nagging right heel injury. Click Here to read the story.
Stallings' Call-In Show tonight
Please Note: Kevin Stallings' Call-In Show has been scheduled for tonight (January 22) from 7-8 p.m. CT. This special broadcast will air live from 104.5 the Zone's main studio, rather than the usual location of the Commodore Grille. Fans can listen locally on 104.5 the Zone or online on VUcommodores.com. For more info, Click Here.
Vanderbilt makes FORTUNE 100 list
From Vanderbilt News Services
For the first time Vanderbilt has been named one of the top 100 best places to work in the United States in FORTUNE magazine’s annual survey, and it is the first educational institution to ever be named to the list.
Click Here to read more.
For the first time Vanderbilt has been named one of the top 100 best places to work in the United States in FORTUNE magazine’s annual survey, and it is the first educational institution to ever be named to the list.
Click Here to read more.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Music City Bowl Desktop Wallpaper
Download new desktop wallpaper celebrating the Commodores' 16-14 win over Boston College in the 2008 Music City Bowl. Click Here!
Finding consistency
It’s no secret. A cold shooting night can be contagious. And when buckets won’t fall early, it can have a snowball effect.
Through four conference games, the Commodores (12-6, 1-3 SEC) have struggled to find an offensive rhythm from the get-go. Vanderbilt is shooting a combined 31 percent (36-for-117) from the field and 22 percent from three-point range (8-for-36) in the first half, including a season-low 18 percent (5-for-27) during last night’s 76-63 loss to Tennessee.
Despite the rough starts in SEC play, Vanderbilt has remained within striking distance, trailing by no more than eight points entering the second half. But playing from a deficit can take its toll on a younger team over the course of a game.
"We start off poorly and they start off well, and we spend the rest of the night playing from behind,” head coach Kevin Stallings said about the Tennessee game. “Now your margin for error is way down.
“It just seemed like there was a lid on that basket in the first half. We dug ourselves a hole and every time we needed to make something happen in the second half, we seemed like we'd miss a shot or a free throw."
One of the difficulties has been that opponents are buckling down in the post to contain Vanderbilt’s top-scoring threat, A.J. Ogilvy, forcing the Commodores to hit shots from the outside. Last night was no different as VU went 6-for-23 from downtown while Ogilvy ended up with one field goal on six attempts, both season lows.
"If they choose to play that type of defense on us, we're going to have to step up and hit perimeter shots,” Stallings said. “That's just what we're going to have to do."
With the Commodores reeling from its first 1-3 conference start since 2002-03, they'll need to find some consistency on the offensive end to turn things around.
“When it comes down to it, certain guys have to play better," Stallings added. "We'll have to go back and look at the film. We had four starters that had three field goals and that's not going to do it. We just have to figure out a way to help them.”
Through four conference games, the Commodores (12-6, 1-3 SEC) have struggled to find an offensive rhythm from the get-go. Vanderbilt is shooting a combined 31 percent (36-for-117) from the field and 22 percent from three-point range (8-for-36) in the first half, including a season-low 18 percent (5-for-27) during last night’s 76-63 loss to Tennessee.
Despite the rough starts in SEC play, Vanderbilt has remained within striking distance, trailing by no more than eight points entering the second half. But playing from a deficit can take its toll on a younger team over the course of a game.
"We start off poorly and they start off well, and we spend the rest of the night playing from behind,” head coach Kevin Stallings said about the Tennessee game. “Now your margin for error is way down.
“It just seemed like there was a lid on that basket in the first half. We dug ourselves a hole and every time we needed to make something happen in the second half, we seemed like we'd miss a shot or a free throw."
One of the difficulties has been that opponents are buckling down in the post to contain Vanderbilt’s top-scoring threat, A.J. Ogilvy, forcing the Commodores to hit shots from the outside. Last night was no different as VU went 6-for-23 from downtown while Ogilvy ended up with one field goal on six attempts, both season lows.
"If they choose to play that type of defense on us, we're going to have to step up and hit perimeter shots,” Stallings said. “That's just what we're going to have to do."
With the Commodores reeling from its first 1-3 conference start since 2002-03, they'll need to find some consistency on the offensive end to turn things around.
“When it comes down to it, certain guys have to play better," Stallings added. "We'll have to go back and look at the film. We had four starters that had three field goals and that's not going to do it. We just have to figure out a way to help them.”
Drake Elevates His Game
When it feels like there is a lid on the basket and nothing seems to be going right, you wouldn’t usually put George Drake at the top of the list of players who would be most likely to keep Vanderbilt in the game.However, on Tuesday he was that player for the Commodores. Although Vanderbilt lost the game 76-63, Drake did everything he could to keep the Commodores within shouting distance. The Calera, Ala., native came off the bench to score a career-high 16 points on 8 of 15 shooting, while grabbing six rebounds.
Drake’s points not only paced the Commodores, they also came during critical moments where it seemed like the game was close to getting away. On three occasions, Drake had bursts where he scored four and six consecutive points to bring the crowd back into the game, while cutting into the Vols’ lead.
On a night when it was evident that Vanderbilt’s freshmen were fighting nerves, it was Drake – the team’s most experienced player – who was the team’s steadying hand.
As a redshirt junior, Drake has been through more games than anyone on the team, and it was because of that experience that Head Coach Kevin Stallings believes Drake was so efficient.
“He is experienced and this game doesn’t bother him,” Stallings said. “We had some guys with the jitters out there when it started and no matter how much I tried to talk them out of it, they were jittery when the game began.”
If Drake was jittery, he sure hid it well from the opening tip on. His first four points ended Vanderbilt’s scoring drought in which they started the game 1 of 9 from the floor.
Drake elevated his game even further in the second half, where he scored 12 of his 16 points. With Tennessee holding a 37-26 advantage, Drake followed a tip-in with a steal and a lay-in to pull Vanderbilt within seven (37-30) with 14:53 to play.
Drake’s final scoring run, and also his best, came with Tennessee leading 49-36 with 11:17 to play. He scored six straight points to cut Tennessee’s lead to single digits, 51-42, with 9:57 to play. During the run, he also added a rebound and a steal, which he converted into a layup.
“My job is to do what I have always done which is to come off the bench and provide energy and tonight that’s what I felt like I did,” Drake said.
Drake did provide the energy, but it wasn’t enough to spark the rest of the team. He shot 53.3 percent from the floor, while the rest of the team managed to make just 27.9 percent of their shots. His eight made baskets also accounted for 40 percent of the team’s makes.
On a night where nothing seemed to go right on the offensive end, Drake’s performance was the silver lining for the Commodores on an otherwise cold night inside Memorial Gym and in Nashville.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Rogers' SEC Baseball preview
Check out Kendall Rogers' 2009 SEC Baseball season preview. Rogers gives his choices for the preseason All-Conference team and predicts each division's order of finish. Find out where he ranks the Commodores - Click Here.
Get ready for tonight's game
Here are a bunch of links to get ready for tonight's home game with Tennessee at 8 p.m. CT. Make sure you wear white to the Gym for the annual "White Out" spearheaded by our student body.
Game Preview
The official preview with notes for both teams plus media info -- Read More
Monday's SEC Teleconference
Find out what Kevin Stallings and Bruce Pearl had to say about the matchup in Monday's SEC teleconference -- Read Quotes
Coach Stallings on 104.5
Stallings was a guest on the 104.5 Wake Up Zone Tuesday -- Listen
Around the Web
VU ready for wild atmosphere
VU-UT doesn't have the hype
Memorial won't help UT's offense
Pearl: Vanderbilt will be physical
Pearl before Vanderbilt/Memphis games
Vols visit odd place to shoot better
Game Preview
The official preview with notes for both teams plus media info -- Read More
Monday's SEC Teleconference
Find out what Kevin Stallings and Bruce Pearl had to say about the matchup in Monday's SEC teleconference -- Read Quotes
Coach Stallings on 104.5
Stallings was a guest on the 104.5 Wake Up Zone Tuesday -- Listen
Around the Web
VU ready for wild atmosphere
VU-UT doesn't have the hype
Memorial won't help UT's offense
Pearl: Vanderbilt will be physical
Pearl before Vanderbilt/Memphis games
Vols visit odd place to shoot better
Presidential Video of the Day
Congratulations to Barack Obama for being sworn in as the nation's 44th president earlier today. Several of us around the office gathered around the tube to watch his historic inauguration. (Of course, you wouldn't have known that since CNN didn't have our reaction on camera like several other cities).
So, here's a video of the day from Presidents Of The United States of America. Ninjas and peaches. It doesn't get much better than this.
So, here's a video of the day from Presidents Of The United States of America. Ninjas and peaches. It doesn't get much better than this.
Benningfield Update
Here's an update on another former Commodore...Women's basketball standout Jenni Benningfield (2001-04) is currently playing for the Dandenong Rangers in the top level professional women's league in Australia.
You'll see in the above photo that Benningfield's wearing protective glasses. Benningfield was poked in the eye and fractured her cheekbone a few weeks ago. She returned to the court Saturday and played 12 minutes and scored four points in a 62-60 loss to the Bendigo Spirit. For the season, she leads the Rangers in scoring (15.0) and rebounding (7.2).
Benningfield was a member of the WNBA's Indiana Fever in 2005 and spent time overseas playing in Spain. She was orginally drafted by Charlotte in the 2004 WNBA Draft.
(Thanks again to the Commodore fan that sent in picture and update)
Reynolds' Down Under
Here's a picture of former Vanderbilt tennis star Bobby Reynolds competing at the 2008 Australian Open in Melbourne. Reynolds, who is ranked No. 69 in the world, dropped his first round match in straight sets to No. 21 Tommy Robredo. He is also scheduled to play in the doubles bracket with partner Rajeev Ram this week.Last year, Reynolds matched his best showing in a Grand Slam by advancing to the third round at Wimbledon. He also made it to the third round in the 2005 Australian Open.
Thanks to the Vanderbilt fan that sent in this photo. If any of out you there reading this have pictures you want to submit, just email me by clicking here.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Watch Balcomb's TV Show
Make sure you check out this week's episode of Comcast Spotlight's Commodore Connection with Melanie Balcomb. Here's a listing for program dates and times:
CSS (locally) - Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 a.m. CT
Comcast Ch. 49 (locally) - Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT
CSS (regionally) - Wednesday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m. CT
For the season schedule, including air dates for Kevin Stallings' show, click here.
CSS (locally) - Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 a.m. CT
Comcast Ch. 49 (locally) - Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT
CSS (regionally) - Wednesday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m. CT
For the season schedule, including air dates for Kevin Stallings' show, click here.
Freshmen Preparing For Intense Matchup
The national rankings aren’t there and the combined records aren’t as gaudy as last year’s meeting at Memorial Gym, but one thing that won’t be missing from last year is the intensity level that will be on display Tuesday when Vanderbilt and Tennessee square off (8 p.m. ESPN).
That intensity level is something that Vanderbilt’s freshman class understands they must be ready for.
“The older players have been telling me that the guys really get after it and they are hyped up a little bit more for this game,” freshman guard Brad Tinsley said. “They told us just to be ready for it and to weather the storm and get through it.”
Adding to the intensity of the game is the atmosphere in the building. For the second year in a row, the game has been dubbed a “White Out,” which is sure to add to the energy in the building. As a result, the crowd will be the most electric home crowd that Vanderbilt’s freshmen have ever played in front of.
“The guys have told me that the crowd really gets into it and that it is a magic atmosphere,” freshman forward Jeffery Taylor said.
It is an atmosphere that Head Coach Kevin Stallings has come to appreciate from the sidelines.
“It is one of the more special nights,” Stallings said. “I wouldn’t say it is unique in and of itself. There are some other nights that are awfully special in here as well, but it is one of the good ones for sure.”
For as much of a home-court advantage the crowd can provide the Commodores, Stallings also understands that the emotion in the stands could present a new challenge for his young team to overcome.
“(The atmosphere) can be distracting that way too for young guys,” Stallings said. “Hopefully we will handle the atmosphere and the environment and use it to our advantage.”
That intensity level is something that Vanderbilt’s freshman class understands they must be ready for.
“The older players have been telling me that the guys really get after it and they are hyped up a little bit more for this game,” freshman guard Brad Tinsley said. “They told us just to be ready for it and to weather the storm and get through it.”
Adding to the intensity of the game is the atmosphere in the building. For the second year in a row, the game has been dubbed a “White Out,” which is sure to add to the energy in the building. As a result, the crowd will be the most electric home crowd that Vanderbilt’s freshmen have ever played in front of.
“The guys have told me that the crowd really gets into it and that it is a magic atmosphere,” freshman forward Jeffery Taylor said.
It is an atmosphere that Head Coach Kevin Stallings has come to appreciate from the sidelines.
“It is one of the more special nights,” Stallings said. “I wouldn’t say it is unique in and of itself. There are some other nights that are awfully special in here as well, but it is one of the good ones for sure.”
For as much of a home-court advantage the crowd can provide the Commodores, Stallings also understands that the emotion in the stands could present a new challenge for his young team to overcome.
“(The atmosphere) can be distracting that way too for young guys,” Stallings said. “Hopefully we will handle the atmosphere and the environment and use it to our advantage.”
Video highlights of WBB win over LSU
Vanderbilt's women's basketball team moved to 3-0 in the SEC for the first time since 2000-01 after defeating LSU 75-67 Sunday afternoon at Memorial Gym. Click here to watch free highlights of the game.
Baseball Season Tickets On Sale
2009 baseball season tickets are now on sale starting at only $75. After two consecutive season ticket sellouts at Hawkins Field, make sure that you get your seats today. Click Here to buy your tickets or call 615.322.GOLD.
Stallings' Call-In Show scheduled for Thursday
Please Note: Kevin Stallings' Call-In Show has been scheduled for this Thursday night (January 22) from 7-8 p.m. CT, instead of Monday. This special broadcast will air live from 104.5 the Zone's main studio, rather than the usual location of the Commodore Grille. Fans can listen locally on 104.5 the Zone or online on VUcommodores.com. For more info, Click Here.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Spread the Word: White Out Tuesday
In case you haven't heard, the students are spearheading a "White Out" for the second year in a row at Vanderbilt's home basketball game with Tennessee Tuesday night at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Last year, the Vols rolled in to town with a No. 1 ranking, but fell victim to Memorial Magic in front of a nationally televised audience. The entire crowd joined in by dressing in white... and it looked incredible. If you don't remember, then click here for photos.
So spread the word to all ticket holders you know. Let's do it again. Wear White to the game to show your support for the Commodores.
Last year, the Vols rolled in to town with a No. 1 ranking, but fell victim to Memorial Magic in front of a nationally televised audience. The entire crowd joined in by dressing in white... and it looked incredible. If you don't remember, then click here for photos.
So spread the word to all ticket holders you know. Let's do it again. Wear White to the game to show your support for the Commodores.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mistakes prove costly in loss to MSU
Vanderbilt fell to 1-2 in the conference after suffering a 73-66 loss to Mississippi State Saturday night in Starkville.
Coach Kevin Stallings gave his thoughts on the game during his postgame interview with Joe Fisher:
"We've got a good group of competitors. It wasn't our physical effort that got us tonight. We just didn't play smart enough. We've got to be an intelligent basketball team to be a good basketball team in my opinion and we just didn't play intelligently tonight and that's what beat us. We didn't defend well in the second half and that had something to do with them (MSU). I just thought, even in the first half, when we had a chance, I thought we got out of control and our veterans committed bad fouls. We had them in trouble because (Jarvis) Varnado was on the bench and then A.J. and Jermaine get in foul trouble for us, both on plays that you shouldn't commit fouls. We were our own worst enemies at times."
"They shot 63 percent (in the second half) which means we didn't guard well enough. Granted, some of them were tough shots but they scored 15 points in the first five minutes of the second half. That's just unacceptable. We're not going to survive those kind of stretches very often. It's disappointing. We thought we could have played better and played a lot smarter. You've got to give them credit because they made shots and they played well."
Here are some key stats that didn't go the Commodores' way:
*Mississippi State outshot Vanderbilt at the free throw line, 22-8, which resulted in 13 more points for the Bulldogs.
*The Commodores weren't able to capitalize when MSU's Jarvis Varnado was on the bench after picking up his second foul in the opening five minutes in the first half. With Varnado out, the Bulldogs outscored the 'Dores by eight to take a five-point lead into halftime. Also, A.J. Ogilvy and Jermaine Beal only played nine and 11 minutes respectively in the first half due to foul trouble.
*Vanderbilt's NCAA-leading field goal percentage defense allowed the Bulldogs to shoot 63.6% in the second half.
*The Bulldogs scored 19 points off VU's 17 turnovers. Probably the most costly turnover was when the Commodores had cut the deficit to two with 16:49 left in the game, but Phil Turner stole the ball around midcourt and quickly converted a three-pointer to push the margin to five. Turner's basket also triggered a 14-3 run for MSU.
*Guard Ravern Johnson had 10 of his 18 points during a six and a half minute span in the second half to help MSU extend their lead to 16 with 8:54 remaining. The Commodores only got as close as six for the rest of the game.
Coach Kevin Stallings gave his thoughts on the game during his postgame interview with Joe Fisher:
"We've got a good group of competitors. It wasn't our physical effort that got us tonight. We just didn't play smart enough. We've got to be an intelligent basketball team to be a good basketball team in my opinion and we just didn't play intelligently tonight and that's what beat us. We didn't defend well in the second half and that had something to do with them (MSU). I just thought, even in the first half, when we had a chance, I thought we got out of control and our veterans committed bad fouls. We had them in trouble because (Jarvis) Varnado was on the bench and then A.J. and Jermaine get in foul trouble for us, both on plays that you shouldn't commit fouls. We were our own worst enemies at times."
"They shot 63 percent (in the second half) which means we didn't guard well enough. Granted, some of them were tough shots but they scored 15 points in the first five minutes of the second half. That's just unacceptable. We're not going to survive those kind of stretches very often. It's disappointing. We thought we could have played better and played a lot smarter. You've got to give them credit because they made shots and they played well."
Here are some key stats that didn't go the Commodores' way:
*Mississippi State outshot Vanderbilt at the free throw line, 22-8, which resulted in 13 more points for the Bulldogs.
*The Commodores weren't able to capitalize when MSU's Jarvis Varnado was on the bench after picking up his second foul in the opening five minutes in the first half. With Varnado out, the Bulldogs outscored the 'Dores by eight to take a five-point lead into halftime. Also, A.J. Ogilvy and Jermaine Beal only played nine and 11 minutes respectively in the first half due to foul trouble.
*Vanderbilt's NCAA-leading field goal percentage defense allowed the Bulldogs to shoot 63.6% in the second half.
*The Bulldogs scored 19 points off VU's 17 turnovers. Probably the most costly turnover was when the Commodores had cut the deficit to two with 16:49 left in the game, but Phil Turner stole the ball around midcourt and quickly converted a three-pointer to push the margin to five. Turner's basket also triggered a 14-3 run for MSU.
*Guard Ravern Johnson had 10 of his 18 points during a six and a half minute span in the second half to help MSU extend their lead to 16 with 8:54 remaining. The Commodores only got as close as six for the rest of the game.
Mississippi State pregame notes
While Vanderbilt leads the nation in field goal percentage defense (.359), Mississippi State is not too far behind (.369 -- good for second in the SEC).
Stellar defense has been a common trait of Rick Stansbury’s teams. Last year, the Bulldogs led the conference in scoring defense (65.5), field goal percentage defense (.370), rebounding offense (40.7) and blocked shots (7.85).
Even if it ends up being the storyline of tonight's matchup, expect a different pace of play compared to the Commodores' 50-40 win over Georgia.
“Mississippi State’s a four guard (lineup), and Georgia is a big, powerful inside team. Mississippi State’s a fast, fast, fast four-guard team that shoots 3s and really makes the game fast when they’re on offense. I think it’ll be a much, much different game.”
The Bulldogs have taken advantage of the opposition with their smaller lineup, especially from three-point range. MSU is shooting 41-for-92 (.445) during its four-game winning streak, and overall, they’ve converted the most 3’s in the league (130) with junior guard Ravern Johnson (36) and sophomore guard Barry Stewart (31) leading the way. Freshman point guard Dee Bost can also hit the trifecta, hitting 7-of-17 behind the arc during the streak.
Stansbury weighed in on his team’s style of play during Thursday’s teleconference:
“Playing small probably helps defend that dribble a little bit better than playing big. Then we give up some other things on the post ups and rebounds. We've gotten better. We're not going to be great just because of our physicality, or lack of physicality I should say. We have basically one guy in our starting lineup who weighs more than 180 pounds (Jarvis). Those other four guys are basically 180 pounds and under.
“So, we're not a very physical team, but we have to utilize our quickness the best we can and continue to develop some attitude about us defensively, some determination, some grit. That's gotten better. It's not where you want it to be, but it's gotten better. That'll be a work in progress until the end."
Taylor better than advertised
Freshman guard Jeffery Taylor has been nothing short of impressive in his freshman campaign. Taylor is second on the team in points (12.3), rebounds (6.3), and steals (21), and also third in blocked shots (9).
“Jeff Taylor has been better at everything than I thought he would be at this point in the season,” Stallings said. "He’s been a better defender, a better rebounder, a better scorer. He’s a consistent practice player. Jeff Taylor has been an absolute bright spot for our team.”
Will the streak continue?
No, I'm not talking about Vanderbilt’s 3-point streak (which was almost in jeopardy against Georgia until Lance Goulbourne connected on one at the 17:21 mark of the second half).
Mississippi State has won seven straight against the Commodores at Humphrey Coliseum and nine out of the last 10. The last time Vanderbilt walked away with a win at the Hump was on Feb. 27, 1993 when Eddie Fogler’s squad routed the Bulldogs, 80-39. Fogler eventually guided the Commodores to a conference title and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
Stellar defense has been a common trait of Rick Stansbury’s teams. Last year, the Bulldogs led the conference in scoring defense (65.5), field goal percentage defense (.370), rebounding offense (40.7) and blocked shots (7.85).
Even if it ends up being the storyline of tonight's matchup, expect a different pace of play compared to the Commodores' 50-40 win over Georgia.
“Mississippi State’s a four guard (lineup), and Georgia is a big, powerful inside team. Mississippi State’s a fast, fast, fast four-guard team that shoots 3s and really makes the game fast when they’re on offense. I think it’ll be a much, much different game.”
The Bulldogs have taken advantage of the opposition with their smaller lineup, especially from three-point range. MSU is shooting 41-for-92 (.445) during its four-game winning streak, and overall, they’ve converted the most 3’s in the league (130) with junior guard Ravern Johnson (36) and sophomore guard Barry Stewart (31) leading the way. Freshman point guard Dee Bost can also hit the trifecta, hitting 7-of-17 behind the arc during the streak.
Stansbury weighed in on his team’s style of play during Thursday’s teleconference:
“Playing small probably helps defend that dribble a little bit better than playing big. Then we give up some other things on the post ups and rebounds. We've gotten better. We're not going to be great just because of our physicality, or lack of physicality I should say. We have basically one guy in our starting lineup who weighs more than 180 pounds (Jarvis). Those other four guys are basically 180 pounds and under.
“So, we're not a very physical team, but we have to utilize our quickness the best we can and continue to develop some attitude about us defensively, some determination, some grit. That's gotten better. It's not where you want it to be, but it's gotten better. That'll be a work in progress until the end."
Taylor better than advertised
Freshman guard Jeffery Taylor has been nothing short of impressive in his freshman campaign. Taylor is second on the team in points (12.3), rebounds (6.3), and steals (21), and also third in blocked shots (9).
“Jeff Taylor has been better at everything than I thought he would be at this point in the season,” Stallings said. "He’s been a better defender, a better rebounder, a better scorer. He’s a consistent practice player. Jeff Taylor has been an absolute bright spot for our team.”
Will the streak continue?
No, I'm not talking about Vanderbilt’s 3-point streak (which was almost in jeopardy against Georgia until Lance Goulbourne connected on one at the 17:21 mark of the second half).
Mississippi State has won seven straight against the Commodores at Humphrey Coliseum and nine out of the last 10. The last time Vanderbilt walked away with a win at the Hump was on Feb. 27, 1993 when Eddie Fogler’s squad routed the Bulldogs, 80-39. Fogler eventually guided the Commodores to a conference title and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
The center of attention
During Thursday’s press conference and coaches teleconference, Kevin Stallings fielded a variety questions about tonight’s matchup at Mississippi State. It didn’t take long to get to the center of attention.“They play primarily man-to-man (defense), and play it well,” Stallings said, “and the big fellow back there causes lots of problems.”
That “big fellow” would be center Jarvis Varnado.
The 6’9 junior leads the nation in blocked shots with 90, a total that surpasses nine other teams in the SEC. Last season, he tied the SEC single-season mark set by former LSU great Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 with 157 blocks, earning him the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in a unanimous vote.
With such a large number of blocks, you would think Varnado would flirt with foul trouble. That’s not the case, as he has yet to foul out of a game this year and has only been charged with four fouls twice (although he did foul out in overtime of last year’s loss at Vanderbilt).
So how do you game plan against the bulldogs’ shot-blocking machine in the middle?
“There's nothing you can do to keep him from affecting what happens around the basketball when he's on defense,” said Stallings. “He's probably the most prolific shot blocker in college basketball history. He's going to block some shots, and he's going to alter a lot of others. You just have to play through that and figure out other ways to score.”
“Sometimes you have to take it at him. Sometimes you don’t need to challenge him. Sometimes it’s better just throwing it back out when he’s getting ready to block it. There are ways to keep shot blockers off balance, and you have to have a feel for that. Sometimes if you get your work done before you catch the ball, then the shot blocker can be put at a disadvantage. Now, on the ones who are 50-50, that kid’s going to win a lot of those.”
Sure, Varnado might be best known for his ability to reject all on-comers, but the Brownsville, Tenn., native, has had a positive presence in the Bulldogs offense as well. He leads MSU with 12.9 points per game (up from 7.9 in 2007-08), is second in the SEC with 9.8 rebounds per game and third in field goal percentage at .609. He also has recorded a team-high six double-doubles and has scored 20-plus points four times this season.
“He's going to affect some shots,” Stallings added, “and that's why he's a great defensive player, and his offense has improved dramatically over last year. He's one heck of a college player.”
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT from Humphrey Coliseum. Fans can watch the matchup on FSN South, or listen to the game on 104.5 the Zone. Click here for a game preview.
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