LSU Random Stat/Random Video

by Barca Blog

Random Stat: Vanderbilt and LSU will enter Saturday's game undefeated for only the third time in series history. The Commodores won the previous two meetings, 27-5 in 1902, and 7-6 in 1937.

Random Video: The intro to the He-Man cartoon series from the early 80's. Yes, he was the most powerful man in the universe, but what about Cringer.. cowardly companion or mighty battle cat?

Players of the Game - Western Carolina

by Barca Blog - Each week during the season, Vanderbilt's football staff recognizes outstanding player performances on the gridiron. Here's the list of honors for the Western Carolina game:

Offensive Player of the Game
OL Thomas Welch; OL Eric Hensley

Defensive Player of the Game
DT T.J. Greenstone

Specialist of the Game
SN David Giller; DB Eric Samuels

Scout Offensive Player of the Week
OL Rob Ashabranner

Scout Defensive Player of the Week
LB Bo Baggarley

NFL roster follow-up

by Barca Blog - A quick update to yesterday's blog on NFL roster moves.

Vanderbilt football media contact Larry Leathers confirmed that former Commodore safety Reshard Langford (Philadelphia) and wide receiver Sean Walker (St. Louis) both have signed on to play for their team's practice squad.

Last year, linebacker Marcus Buggs took advantage of the same opportunity as a rookie in Buffalo. After starting the season with the practice squad, Buggs was promoted to 53-man roster in October. He just earned a spot on the Bills' 2009 roster with an impressive showing in preseason camp.

Next Ask A Dore: Adam Smotherman

by Barca Blog - Adam Smotherman, a junior defensive tackle from Smyrna, Tenn., will be the next guest in our weekly Ask A Dore segment. Make sure you send in your questions!

We will post Broderick Stewart's answers in the next few days on VUcommodores.com. You can listen to previous interviews in our AAD archive.

Johnson's Presser, Call-In Show Monday

by Barca Blog - Two quick reminders while you're hopefully enjoying Labor Day:

*Coach Johnson will field questions from the press about this week's matchup at LSU today at noon CT. We will webcast the event live on VUcommodores.com.

*The Bobby Johnson Call-In Show, presented by Martin and Zerfoss Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance, will be broadcast tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT inside the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt. For out-of-towners, the show can be heard live on VUcommodores.com. Click Here

Video: Pregame sights and sounds

by Barca Blog - With all of the excitement surrounding the start of the 2009 football season, I decided to film some of the festivities leading up to Saturday's contest with Western Carolina... especially for those of you around the globe that couldn't make it to Dudley but were itching for a piece of that Commodore gameday atmosphere.

So, here's a sample (below) of what I witnessed prior to kickoff. I hope you enjoy it!

Larry Smith update

by Barca Blog - With Vanderbilt leading Western Carolina 28-0 late in the third quarter, redshirt sophomore quarterback Larry Smith came out of the game after running six yards for a first down.

No reason to worry Commodore fans. Head coach Bobby Johnson defined Smith's injury as "cramps in the legs." Smith's not expected to miss the 'Dores next game at LSU.

"I started cramping up," Smith explained. "My calf muscles and my stomach locking up on me.

"I felt it during the whole drive. My calves started getting a little tight on me and then once I ran that quarterback draw, my whole body locked up."

The Prattville, Ala., native momentarily went to the locker room before returning to the sidelines in the fourth quarter to use a stationary bike. Mackenzi Adams and Jared Funk took the snaps the rest of the way to finish off the Commodores' 45-0 win over the Catamounts.

In his first regular season start, Smith completed 10-of-18 passes for 153 yards including a 46-yard touchdown pass to Justin Green. Smith also rushed for 73 yards on 11 carries.

For complete coverage of VU's victory, click here.

NFL final roster moves

by Barca Blog - Each NFL team was required to meet the league’s 53-man roster limit on Saturday. I complied a list below of how former Commodores fared on cutdown day. Note: Some of the players waived may remain on the practice squad.

Made the Roster
D.J. Moore - Chicago
Jay Cutler - Chicago
Hunter Hillenmeyer - Chicago
Chris Williams - Chicago
Earl Bennett - Chicago
Jovan Haye - Tennessee
Marcus Buggs - Buffalo
Todd Yoder - Washington
Jonathan Goff - New York Giants

Cuts
Sean Walker - St. Louis
Reshard Langford - Philadelphia
Curtis Gatewood - Philadelphia
Justin Geisinger - Carolina
Matt Stewart - Dallas
Jamie Winborn - Atlanta

WCU First Half Notes

Halftime: Vanderbilt 21, Western Carolina 0

• In the first three minutes, sophomore linebacker Chris Marve posted two forced fumbles and a quarterback sack. He had a team-high four forced fumbles last year.

• With 7:19 left in the first quarter, quarterback Larry Smith connected with junior Justin Green for a 49-yard touchdown reception. It was Green’s first career touchdown reception, and his longest career catch.

• With 4:04 in the initial quarter, tailback Warren Norman capped a quick Commodore scoring drive with a 7-yard touchdown rush. He also had a pair of 16-yard rushes in the drive.

• Vanderbilt’s 14-0 margin after one quarter matches the team’s largest lead since the Commodores owned a 17-0 advantage over South Carolina on Oct. 20, 2007.

• On the first play of the second quarter, Stacy’s 9-yard touchdown carry after lining up at quarterback pushed the lead to 21-0.

• The last time Vanderbilt held an opponent scoreless at halftime was against Eastern Michigan, 13-0, on Sept. 29, 2007.

• The 21-point advantage tied the Commodores largest halftime lead since a 28-7 margin against Duke on Oct. 28, 2006. The most recent lead larger than that at halftime was when Vanderbilt held a 41-6 advantage against Chattanooga on Sept. 6, 2003.

Follow the second half on VUcommodores.com.

Your Saturday Tweets

by Barca Blog - I thought it would be fun to browse Twitter to see what Commodore fans are saying on gameday. Here's a sample below. Remember, you can follow my page @BarcaBlog and football score updates @VandyFootball)

@musicstyle: is almost done with work and then time to go have fun!!! Oh, and GO VANDY!!!

@AfraidToFly: can't wait to go to the vandy game!!! GO DORES!!! for reals! =]

@MrEccentric822: Can't wait for the Vandy Game tonight!!

@sarahodonohue: Gotta love big-little workouts! :). So ready for tailgating and football today! This is what Vandy is all about!! Go 'Dores!

@AN5: Vandy home opener tonight vs. the Catamounts of Western Carolina. so pumped. used to hate SEC football. now a fan.

@4MrWeg: ITS VANDY FOOTBALL TIME!

@mikephipps5: tailgating who are we? Vandy!

@jessluthy: Oh and SO PUMPED for football season to start and all things Vandy that go along with

@JackShell: Wearing my Vandy jersey, so excited for tonight's game! Go DORES!

@austinelson: WHOO! There is nothing better then the first day of VANDY FOOTBALL!

@uffel: NOW school's back in session. Tailgates and Vanderbilt football.

@zackmcm: Who could've guessed three years ago I'd be feeling much better about the football prospects of Vanderbilt Gold than those of UMich blue?

@Cmerbitz: The wait is almost over!! Vanderbilt Football is finally back. lets see if we can make it 2 str8 bowls

@kcvandysae: Counting down to the start of Vanderbilt's quest for a BCS championship.

It's almost time...

by Barca Blog - We're less than 24 hours until kickoff! Here are some quotes from Bradley Vierling and Broderick Stewart on the excitement of getting the 2009 season underway.

Senior center Bradley Vierling

“When you come off a winning season for the first time in so long, you just want everyone to know this is real, that we’re here, and we’re fired up.

“The big monkey has been taken off our back. We’re not the team that has fallen short over and over again. We got the job done last year. Now, we’re just going to use that to catapult us into this season and have another great one.”

Senior defensive end Broderick Stewart

“I really can’t even put it into words. It’s exciting any time football season starts. I know we have a lot of expectations, so just to get it started is something I’m definitely looking forward to.

“Our chemistry is at an all-time high. The interaction between the guys has been excellent. That combined with our bowl win last year, everybody’s just ready to go.”

Last 2008 Rewind video

by Barca Blog - I hope you enjoyed VUcommodores' 2008 Rewind series. The final episode (below) features Myron Lewis' game-clinching interception in the Commodores' 16-14 victory over Boston College in the Music City Bowl.

You can view all seven videos here.

Everything Young is New Again

By Weinman - With the cross country meet going on this afternoon at Percy Warner Park, our intern Travis Young will be unable to broadcast tonight's women's soccer game against Belmont. I have agreed to fill in for the evening.

In the interest of making the webcast interactive, I've setup a Twitter account where I'll be accepting any questions or comments you may have -- www.twitter.com/fightdores -- I'll send shout-outs, try to answer questions, etc. Go Dores!

Special Task (Dore Prize Winner)

by Barca Blog - Find out the answer to this week's Dore Prize contest... How many seats are inside Vanderbilt Stadium? Congrats to the winner, who came within 14 seats of the correct answer (we'll be in touch with you). Make sure you check back for more giveaways!

Watch part 2 below... (If you missed part 1, click here)

Licensed Commodore Merchandise

by Rocket - For all of you Commodore fans that can recall the days when looking for good looking Vanderbilt gifts meant a long and frustrating search, there is good news.

More and more major retail outlets are carrying quality Vanderbilt products. Most of the Metro area Cracker Barrel stores are carrying a very nice line of Commodore merchandise. The same is true for the West End Walgreens and I'm told Costco can help solve your Black and Gold itch.

Our Vanderbilt Bookstore, of course, carries the deepest line of merchandise but its not always convenient to get on campus. That's why we are so appreciative of these quality outside merchants getting involved.

OK, Commodore fans, let's respond favorably! Step #1 is to stop by these stores and buy something Vanderbilt. Step #2 would be to make a point to ask for the manager or at the very least tell the sales clerk how much you appreciate seeing the good Vanderbilt gear in their store.

Videos: Cheer for Vandy

by Barca Blog - More videos to get you ready for game day. J-Sil captured these clips during last night's cheer practice in Memorial Gym.

Video: Preparing Dudley Field

By Travis Young - As the clock continues to tick closer to the 2009 home opener vs. Western Carolina, I met up with Bill Randles, the manager of Sports Turf and Facilities for Vanderbilt University, to find out the process of how his staff prepares for game week.

In the interview, Randels addresses topics on mowing, painting and stenciling the endzones. He later explained that Dudley Field is a mixture of bermudagrass and ryegrass. The annual ryegrasses are used for temporary grass cover during the fall and winter months in the south and protects the soil from erosion while keeping the field a green color during the winter months when the bermudagrass goes dormant. Both Hawkins Field and Dudley Field are made up of this combination.

Watch below:

Video: This is the SEC

Are you ready for the 2009 season? Then check out this video that Row27 did for Vanderbilt Athletics.

It doesn't get any better than SEC football.

Remember, you can experience the tradition of the finest league in the country right here in Nashville. Vanderbilt season tickets are available starting at $109. Reserve your seats today!

Commodore Time Machine - 1985

By Barca Blog - Throughout the year, I plan on posting pictures from old Vanderbilt media guides. Who doesn’t love these things? It’s like taking a trip back in the Commodore time machine.

Today’s photo comes from the back cover of the 1985 football book. Will “The Tractor” Wolford, one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Vanderbilt’s modern era, is featured with Kermit Sykes, John Windham, and Jim Popp.

Wolford lived up to his nickname as an offensive tackle at Vanderbilt from 1982-85. He made a name for himself as a true freshman on the Hall of Fame Bowl team, earning second team freshmen All-American honors. In his senior season, Vanderbilt Athletic officials pushed him in an All-American campaign that featured a vintage Massey Ferguson tractor.

Wolford went on to play 13 seasons in the NFL and garnered three Pro Bowl selections. He currently co-hosts a sports radio show in Louisville, Ky.

(Photo by Glenn Gregory)

Hearing victory

by Barca Blog - While Bryant Hahnfeldt’s game-winning field goal in the Music City Bowl will go down as one of the biggest sports moments in Vanderbilt history, one thing often gets overlooked: two walk-ons, snapper David Giller and holder Thomas Carroll, played a significant role in that moment.

Sure, most Commodore fans may be unfamiliar with these two guys, but maybe that's not such a bad thing considering players at these positions usually only get attention when something goes wrong. So, I thought it would be cool to speak with Giller about what it meant to be involved in that special moment. Here’s a short Q&A:

Down by one with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, what was going through your head as you took the field for the game-winning field goal?

“Everybody says, ‘Oh, it’s a big situation,’ but with how repetitive special teams is, you can only go about it like it’s any other deal. I knew Thomas (Carroll) was going to get the ball, I knew he was going to get a good hold, and I knew Bryant (Hahnfeldt) was going to kick it right down the middle. I just knew it would be automatic every single time, and that’s what it should be. We just went out there and executed everything we needed to do and got it done.”

As a walk-on, talk about having the chance to effect Vanderbilt history on that play.

“A lot of those feelings of accomplishment, not only for me but for the program, came after we had won the game because if we hadn’t, no one would have talked about it.

“We all had faith in each other. Even though Thomas and I were walk-ons, we knew that we were going to get it done. We just knew it. It was just like any other field goal at any particular point in any game. It just happened to mean a whole lot more after the fact.”

After you snapped the ball, did you get a chance to see it go through the goal posts?

“I knew it was going to be dead-center just because usually I can tell that when Bryant hits it good, it just sounds pretty. Then, I could see from my upside-down vantage point that the snap and hold were good, and then it came down to Hahnfeldt to knock it through. I heard it, it sounded great, and I looked up, and sure enough, it was right down the pipe.”

Video: Vanderbilt Star at night

by Barca Blog - I took a trip across the street last night to check in on intern Travis and his mission to get an exact count on all the seats inside Vanderbilt Stadium (excluding the press box, suites, etc.).

As I made my way past Star Walk and headed into the south end zone, I took a quick video of the new Vanderbilt Star Logo, which lights up and glows above the tunnel at night. The logo was one of several additions to phase 2 of the stadium upgrades. Watch below:

DiNardo reflects on leaving Vanderbilt

by Barca Blog - Check out Bill Traughber's latest Commodore History Corner on VUcommodores.com. Former Vanderbilt football head coach Gerry DiNardo speaks candidly about his career including his decision to leave the Commodores for LSU in 1994. Must Read

Special Task (Dore Prize Contest)

by Barca Blog - I just sent intern Travis on a special assignment inside Vanderbilt Stadium.

Watch the video to see what he's up to, then submit your answer for a chance to win our weekly 'Dore Prize contest - a Music City Bowl Hatch Show Print with Coach Johnson's signature.

Get your guesses in before midnight on Thursday at any of the following places: the comment section in this blog post, our Facebook Fan page, or on Twitter @BarcaBlog.

A New Jay

by Barca Blog - Michigan Avenue unveiled Jay Cutler's new GQ look.

Cutler's wardrobe looks nothing like what I would purchase at T.J. Maxx (just a little jealous). I need to get on the horn with my business manager to see if Michigan Avenue will put me "In the Loop" in their next issue.

You can read Cutler's Q&A here with more pics.

Stewart to wear 'KD1" jersey patch

by Leathers - This season, defensive end Broderick Stewart (R-Sr.) will become the third Vanderbilt player to wear the "KD1" jersey patch, one of the most significant recognitions awarded by fellow Commodore players.

The patch honors the memory of Kwane Doster, the only Commodore ever to receive the SEC Freshman of the Year Award. Doster was shot and killed in his hometown of Tampa, Fla., on Dec. 26, 2004. It will be displayed on the front of Stewart's No. 90 jersey.

Stewart, from Newnan, Ga., also becomes the first player to earn the patch that did not play with Doster.

The team's Leadership Council votes on the player to wear the "KD1" patch. They recognized Stewart's effort and desire to return from a serious lower leg injury suffered late in the 2008 season.

“They made a fantastic selection. Broderick is very deserving," Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. "They recognize that Broderick has worked extremely hard to get back on the field. They know how productive Broderick is as a player and what he has gone through to return."

"Broderick has given everything and anything to this program," two-time captain Bradley Vierling added. "He is just a team guy and he brings a lot of energy to our team. He is always getting everyone fired up. The defense really thrives off him and he is really the pulse of our defense."

Stewart, just six sacks shy of the Vanderbilt all-time career record, suffered a season-ending ankle and foot injury early in the 2008 Tennessee game, yet still travelled to the finale at Wake Forest and to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl to support his teammates.

Stewart becomes the third Commodore player to wear the patch. Former All-SEC linebacker Jonathan Goff wore it in the 2006-07 seasons. Tailback Jeff Jennings wore the patch for his senior season.

"It’s a big honor," Stewart said. "Just for being around the school for a few years and everything that Kwane embodied like his leadership, athletic ability and his willingness to go hard and go the extra mile. I want to thank the team and for everyone that voted for me. I will definitely try to live up to it."

QB solved... RB in question

by Barca Blog - Head coach Bobby Johnson said that practice this week would probably be the deciding factor in whether senior tailback Jared Hawkins plays in Vanderbilt's season opener against Western Carolina.

The Commodores top returning rusher was held out of another session on Tuesday, leaving his status in question for Saturday.

"Jared's problem is really after practice," Johnson said. "Sometimes his foot will swell up and have some pain, so we try to rest it the next day. It's just the problem of him being consistent and getting the practice that he needs to do his position and do it well enough for us to win."

Expect junior Kennard Reeves as well as the freshmen combo of Zac Stacy and Warren Norman to get the bulk of the carries if Hawkins can't go against the Catamounts.

Whoever ends up getting the ball should have plenty of opportunities. Johnson hinted yesterday that there could be an increased focus on running the tailbacks in the offense due to the experience and depth of the offensive line.

"(Jared's injury) opens the door for several others," Johnson added. "We've got enough choices that we feel comfortable about going into this game with them."

Fun with art

by Barca Blog - Many of you out there watched Jay Cutler shred apart Denver's defense in his return to the Mile High City Sunday night.

Is the Broncos' organization in shambles after fumbling away their franchise QB?

Well, we just uncovered this picture from an unnamed source that might provide the answer. It looks like intern Travis hopped on the first flight to Denver after the game to try and clean up their mess. The Broncos truly have hit rock bottom. I mean, would you want this guy running your team?

TV options for Western Carolina

by Barca Blog - Vanderbilt football's season opener against Western Carolina will be broadcast on CSS this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.

The SEC's new deal with ESPN will also allow Comcast SportsNets to air CSS SEC football games live on Comcast RSNs in the following places outside of the southeast: Bay Area, Chicago, New England, Northwest, Philadelphia, and Mid Atlantic (TCN-The Comcast Network, NOT CSN)

Fans can also purchase the contest on ESPN GamePlan or watch it online at ESPN360.com (if your internet provider offers it).

Video: Who needs game tape?

by Barca Blog - As you know from previous entries in the blog, my office has always been a train wreck... at least, that's what my daughter calls it.

So... Since it's a new athletic year, I am going to start on the left foot by reorganizing my office. I tried to get HGTV over here to do a feature on it, but they declined. So the next option was intern Travis and well, he couldn't say no (it was specifically written into his contract).

Anyway, while cleaning up my work space, we came across several items that had been stashed away for years. Who said VHS was dead?

Watch the clip below courtesy of Brayburn's award-winning documentary.

SEC single game tickets on sale

by Barca Blog - Just a friendly reminder.... Vanderbilt's SEC single game tickets are now available for purchase.

The Commodores' conference home schedule includes Mississippi State (Sept. 18), Ole Miss (Oct. 3), Georgia (Oct. 17) and Kentucky (Nov. 14). These games are $50 per ticket.

You can take advantage of a $15 discount on the Mississippi State game if you participate in the SEC's Together We Can food drive promotion by Friday, September 18.

We encourage fans to reserve their seats through our official site, vucommodores.com. Of course, you could always just splurge for the season ticket package to enjoy six great games starting at only $109! For complete ticket information, click here.