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10 Reasons to be Optimistic vs. Arkansas
9/14/2006
The Optimist
By Skip Anderson
Editor-in-Chief, “Commodore Nation”
Email Skip at skip.anderson@vanderbilt.edu
I have always been an optimist looking to qualify my eternal hope for the best before each game. It is with this in mind that I offer 10 reasons The ‘Dores, once again an underdog, just might defeat the Hogs like they did last year in Fayetteville.
Goff the Fantastic
Redshirt junior linebacker Jonathan Goff is having a career season, combining for 27 tackles in the first two games, one blocked field goal, two forced fumbles, and a broken-up pass. It will be an interesting match up to see him go against one of the country’s top running backs, Arkansas’ Darren McFadden.
Super-D
Kevin Joyce, Ben Koger, Marcus Buggs, and D.J. Moore are tearing it up defensively, as each recorded six tackles in Alabama. Throw in Broderick Stewart, who recorded a sack for a 13-yard loss, and Theo Horrocks who is blood-thirsty after logging five tackles, and you have a defensive squad whose confidence is warranted.
Red-Zone
The ‘Dores’ bend-but-don’t-break red-zone defense looked solid last week, holding Alabama to a total of six points on four trips inside Commodore 20-yard line.
The Return of Jackson-Garrison
Vanderbilt much-heralded tailback Cassen Jackson-Garrison is fast returning to his former self, following an appendectomy just a few weeks ago. He ran gingerly against Michigan, netting only two yards. But he was much more powerful in Tuscaloosa, where he gained 44 yards. Of course, he’ll have to go through a top-notch linebacker Sam Olajubutu, who is nominated for virtually every honor available for his position.
Renaissance Man
Sophomore wide receiver Earl Bennett continues to do it all. He has a passing percentage of 100 percent, completing one pass to Marlon White in each of the first two games … one for a touchdown. He has run the ball for positive yardage, logged a touchdown catch, and crossed the century mark in receiving yards.
Multiple Targets
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Nickson has spread the receiving duties among four receivers and two running backs. He throws well — perhaps even better — when he’s outside of the pocket and on the move. And with Nickson being a threat to run at any given time on any given play, the opposing defense has a lot to worry about in a very short amount of time.
Return of the O-Line
Offensive lineman Brian Stamper and company gave up a whopping six sacks in the opening game against Michigan, but was 100 percent sack-free against the Crimson Tide last weekend.
Golden-Toe Hahnfeldt
Placekicker Bryant Hahnfeldt appears to be 100 percent after a season-ending injury last year and a pesky ankle-twist during two-a-days this summer. He nailed his first field-goal attempt of the season, a pressure-filled 42-yarder against Alabama to tie the game.
Two in a Row
Arkansas Head Coach Houston Nutt is still smarting from the come-from-behind win the ‘Dores orchestrated in his home stadium last year. His lack of respect for the Commodore defense last year likely cost him three points when he went for the touchdown on fourth and goal instead of kicking a field goal.
Trouble Finding the Handle
The Razorbacks committed six turnovers over their first two games. This could very well be Arkansas’ downfall this week.
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