Sept. 8, 2011
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question Wondering about a player, a game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
Will Vanderbilt have their coaches show on T.V. any time soon?
– Gerald Morton, Columbia, Tenn.
Right now there are no plans for a TV show. In years past, one of the major reasons for a TV show was to give people around the country, especially recruits, an opportunity to see our games or game highlights on a regular basis. With the new TV package, all of the games are televised, so it’s much easier now to accomplish that without the additional time and expense. Also, with the expansion of the Internet, Coach Franklin’s weekly comments, as well as other interviews and features are more readily available at vucommodores.com.
Just wondering how Wesley Tate was doing at receiver?
– Scott, Unionville, Tenn.
I think Wesley is fitting in just fine at receiver. Certainly it’s an adjustment for him to have to learn all the routes, blocking assignments and the like. But, as he showed with that touchdown burst against Elon, he’s a guy that can make things happen when he gets into the open field. He’s got a lot more speed than people may think for his size and could certainly develop into another viable offensive weapon for us.
The running game, at times, seemed to struggle. Was it part of the game plan to not play Warren Norman unless absolutely necessary? If so, why?
– Phillip, Fairview, Tenn.
There were a lot of questions in the mailbag this week about the status of Warren Norman. I believe the decision was made before the Elon game that he would only be used if absolutely necessary. Another week could do nothing but help Warren’s knee. Coach Franklin said Warren told him that he felt he was “at 91% right now” (how he came up with that exact figure no one knows). I think there’s a good chance you see Warren some this weekend, but just don’t know how much yet. He is still not listed on the depth chart in the kick return game, so that may still be a while away, though you never know what Warren might tell the coaches about how he feels at game time.
Mr Fisher – Except from winning, what is going to have to happen so that our team can compete with the rest of the SEC? Your Air Force Commodore faithful.
By the way, enjoy that good weather, it’s 107 right now and only noon.
– Travis Kersey, Al Udeid, “desert”
Travis, first many thanks to you for your service to our country. We’ll certainly be thinking of you this weekend on occasion of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. That being said, I guess it depends on your definition of compete with the rest of the SEC. Unlike a number of years ago, I believe the rest of the SEC would tell you that Vanderbilt is competitive now in football. They are not a team that some of our SEC brethren can just show up and beat anymore. Even with last year’s disappointing record, remember all the close losses to the likes of LSU, Mississippi State and South Carolina? It’s pretty simple to me that the perception that Vanderbilt is “competitive” in the SEC will only change when the Commodores manage to win a couple of those type games instead of losing late.
That was a great win vs Elon, but I would like to know what your approach is to the UConn match-up? Much appreciated.
– Austin Montague, Hattiesburg, Miss.
I never take a win for granted, and while we should have beaten Elon, it’s always good to follow through and get it done. This weekend, the bar is raised significantly. UConn is the defending Big East Champion. They’ve built a winning program on strong offensive and defensive line play, and they certainly have that again this year. They almost always have a quality running back, and last week Lyle McCombs rushed for 141 yards and four touchdowns. They have nine starters returning on defense so they are solid there. I think a big key for us will be hopefully to get pressure on their quarterback. The Huskies played three quarterbacks against Fordham last week. None of the three have much experience at all, so that could be something to keep an eye on. One other key area will be special teams. UConn is very good in all phases, as we were last week. In close games, that can be the difference.