Nov. 12, 2011
It was a week when some called college football a cesspool of corruption. The game has its problems; the Penn State revelations are horrific and there have been well-documented issues around the country in recent months. But some rotten apples don’t spoil the entire barrel.
Hours before today’s kickoff we are in Vandyville. Fans wearing black, gold and even some in blue are relaxing over coffee cake and easy conversation. It’s a nice way to wind down after a busy week.
We run into a couple of former Commodore gridders that graduated 20 years or more ago; they are excited about this team after years of ambivalence, attracted by the fresh air that came with the arrival of James Franklin.
Somebody asks when the last time Vanderbilt was favored by double-digits in a Southeastern Conference game. Since we don’t pay attention to Vegas odds, we can’t even hazard a guess but the point is made. Things are different on fall Saturdays. Vanderbilt people feel good, proud.
This is a football team that usually has nearly one-third of the roster earning 3.0 grades. Not a week goes by that one of them asks about law or business school. Some use their spare time to mentor kids. They are a group that has always achieved above the norm and this coaching staff has figured out how to tap into this potential.
Many thought Vanderbilt football was a time capsule, confined to Dan McGugin’s era of excellence a century ago. Franklin saw a time bomb and lit the fuse.
We are fascinated about why some coaches thrive in the sports world while others, with equal appearing pedigrees, fall a bit short. We happen to believe the difference lies with intangibles. At least equal parts art and science.
The morning’s alumni gridders pointed to the resiliency of the 2011 ‘Dores; the team’s ability to handle adversity and come back with vigor. What accounts for this difference and why this bunch and not others? If we could pinpoint the exact cause we would bottle and market the answer. But let’s offer some hunches.
A tip of the cap to the prior coaching staff for bringing in quality young men. While there are no Heisman candidates on this roster, it’s a collection of steady guys that want to do the right thing. A case in point: while red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman Wesley Johnson drew praise for starting his third position of the year today, he declined a rare chance to go to the post-game interview room, instead asking that senior Kyle Fischer represent the o-line and bask in the limelight.
Then there is the Franklin Factor. He brings with him a terrific blend of assistant coaches with varied experience and talents but a common dominator of electric personalities and burning desires to succeed. Among this new leadership is strength and conditioning coach Dwight Galt, a savvy veteran regarded as one of the nation’s best. This football team is in big-time shape and in turn they can execute a good game plan 60 minutes. Some teams are more gifted but have you seen any that play harder?
With a maestro’s touch, Franklin taps into the minds of these frisky colts. He preaches aggressive football and backs it up by playing aggressive when the chips are on the table. This team plays with a swagger.
In the season opener with Elon, it the Commodores lacked a collective personality but here in Game 10 one has evolved. It is a team that has gotten better every week by emphasizing the little things and stressing togetherness.
This is a dynamic program that dreams in color. Many high school stars recognized this much more quickly than pundits or worn out fans. Bowl scouts in attendance were aghast at what a difference a year can make.
People can come together in sports. Problems? Yes. A cesspool? No way.
