Aug. 31, 2012
 The 38,393 fans in attendance at Thursday’s game between Vanderbilt and South Carolina were loud, proud and decked out in black. You made an impact, accounting for the largest Commodore crowd at a home opener since 2001. And the team noticed. “I’m very thankful and appreciative for the fans, our students, and the community for showing up they way they did because it was a great atmosphere,” James Franklin told the media. “I think it was a really good picture and vision of what Vanderbilt could be.” While the Commodores were disappointed in the end result, a 17-13 loss to the ninth-ranked Gamecocks, coaches and players made it a point to use Twitter to express their gratitude to fans for making it an incredible environment inside Vanderbilt Stadium. Like Franklin said, repeating the scene at the next home game, Sept. 15 vs. Presbyterian, will be another important step in the growth of the program. “As long as everybody pulls together and rallies together as a community, we can build something really special,” the head coach added. Here were some of the messages posted by the squad on social media: |
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James Franklin, Head Coach “Want 2 thank all the fans 4 a GREAT home field advantage, atmosphere was great! Keep supporting us & 2gether we can build something special!” |
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Sean Spencer, Defensive Line Coach “Thanks to all the fans for coming to see us! You’re the best!!” |
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Josh Gattis, Wide Receivers Coach “Disappointed but we will pull through! The good sign is it’s about us VU! We can fix it and will! Stand strong stand proud #ANCHORDOWN” |
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Jordan Matthews, Junior Receiver “Hearing that stadium full of loyal fans yelling #AnchorDown gave me chills… Love this school” |
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Zac Stacy, Senior Tailback “In due time… In due time… Be patient VU nation.” |
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Trey Wilson, Senior Defensive Back “Woke up with one thing on my mind; What can I do to to make the team better. #VUFB” |
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Karl Butler, Junior Linebacker “Minor Setback for a Major Comeback” |
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Rob Lohr, Senior Defensive Tackle “Thanks to all the fans who came out tonight. It’s not the way we wanted to get started. But WE WILL bounce back. #ANCHORDOWN” |
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Chris Boyd, Sophomore Receiver “‘Preciate the support from the fans” |
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Jonathan Krause, Junior Receiver “Thanks for all the support!” |
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Wesley Tate, Junior Tailback “Just wanna thank all the fans who came out to the game and watch us on TV. Stick with us cause this team will do great things this season.” |
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Kenny Ladler, Junior Safety “Thanks for the support from our fans. VU nation we will weather the storm. Time to prepare for the next game #VANDYNATION” |
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Andre Hal, Junior Defensive Back “S/O to all the fans that supported us last night!!” |
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Barron Dixon, Sophomore Defensive Tackle “All the fans last night were amazing” |
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Jahmel McIntosh, Redshirt-Freshman Safety “Loved the turn out at the stadium last night. It was packed. Created a great atmosphere for a great game. Love the Dore Nation! #Dores #Boom” |
