Sept. 9, 2010
Caldwell’s First-Game Jitters
What caused Caldwell the most problems in his first game as a head coach? How about managing the coaches’ headset?
Listen in as Caldwell and Bill Cody of WSM 650-AM 
“mash the buttons.”
Classic Gameday Program – 1957 vintage
Rest assured that plenty of effort went into the design of the gameday program to be sold at entrance gates Saturday when LSU invades Vanderbilt Stadium. But is it really an improvement over program covers from years back?
Check out this classic 1957 cover (on the right), featuring the illustration of Swede, who produced original works for Vanderbilt covers for nearly a decade in the 1950s-60s. The Commodore with his Western Flyer red wagon is a classic.
By the way, Vanderbilt was a 7-0 victor in 1957.
Graham Doubtful vs. LSU
Versatile defensive back Jamie Graham, a Nashville-Whites Creek product, is likely to miss his second consecutive game due to a groin injury, Caldwell told a WNSR audience Thursday.
Graham is the only prominent Commodore expected to miss the LSU game to injury.
Duo Back After Missing Opener
Ryan Seymour (R-So., OT) and Tray Herndon (R-Jr., WR) are ready to play after missing the opener for violating team and university rules. Seymour, an SEC All-Freshman OL last year, adds much needed depth to the Commodores’ thin interior front ranks.
Former Tiger Standout Mawae With Vanderbilt
Saturday promises to be interesting for Kevin Mawae, a two-time All-SEC lineman in the early 1990s at LSU who assists the Commodores as a strength and conditioning intern.
Mawae, a 16-year NFL veteran and currently president of the National Football League Players Association, has earned Caldwell’s respect. “Kevin’s an outstanding person, just outstanding,” Caldwell said. “Even though he bleeds purple, he’ll be all Black and Gold this Saturday.”
Mawae started at tackle, guard and center during his Tiger career.
A Patriotic Saturday
Vanderbilt’s Spirit of Gold Marching Band will honor America with patriotic music during pregame and halftime ceremonies this Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the World Trade Center attack.
Playing True Freshmen
The youthful Commodores played 10 true freshmen, including a pair of receivers and six defenders, against Northwestern. Others could be called upon this Saturday.
One first-year player, Jonathan Krause, showed explosiveness as a receiver, matching the team high with four catches, good for 55 yards. Other true freshmen seeing action were Karl Butler (safety), Steven Clarke (defensive back), Chase Garnham (linebacker), Andre Hal (defensive back), Kenny Ladler (safety), Fitz Lassing (h-back), Jordan Matthews (wide receiver), Andre Simmons (safety), Carey Spear (kicker).
The Commodores were one of 10 teams nationally to play at least 10 true freshmen in the opener. Three SEC teams played more: Florida (15), Auburn (12) and Tennessee (12). Nine LSU freshmen saw action against North Carolina.
Finding Offense
After punting on its first six possessions against Northwestern, the Vanderbilt offense showed plenty of spark. The Commodores scored (three TDs and a FG) or attempted to score (a missed FG) on five of its last six drives. The unit gained at least 38 yards in each of its last seven possessions.
The unit produced 432 total yards, matching the team’s highest outlet against a BCS-member opponent since the Commodores amassed 621 yards at Kentucky on Nov. 11, 2006.
Beating Ranked Teams
Vanderbilt’s last victory over a team ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 was nearly two years ago: Auburn (14-13, Oct. 4, 2008). That win came before an ESPN national television audience with College GameDay visiting campus.
LSU enters the game ranked No. 19 by the Associated Press and No. 16 by the coaches.
