Aug. 29, 2011
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by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
VUcommodores.com will kickoff game week by streaming James Franklin’s press conference live Monday at noon CT. Also, please note that the weekly call-in show with Franklin and Joe Fisher has been moved to Thursday nights.
The Commodores aren’t worried about their past problems on offense. “We’re just more confident in this offense,” running back Zac Stacy said. “We’ve bought into it as well. There were times we were (confident) last year and we just didn’t catch the break that we needed. No offense to the no-huddle offense, but we’re not really dwelling on the past.”
Making the move from left tackle to center isn’t as easy as you might think. Wesley Johnson has settled into the new position and could start in the season opener. “Because of the injury deal and our depth, Wesley ended up playing center in the spring, which was probably a blessing in disguise,” said offensive line coach Herb Hand. “We found out that he’s the best center on campus, too.”
The Burlington Times-News ran a feature on Elon first-year head coach Jason Swepson, who was hired in January after spending the last four seasons as running backs coach at N.C. State. Swepson has been mentored by coaches Tom O’Brien, Tom Coughlin and Jack Bicknell.
Rivals.com listed defensive back Casey Hayward as “one of the 12 best players you probably don’t know — but should.”
The Chicago Bears first-team offense looked sharp in preseason action against the Titans Saturday night at LP Field. Earl Bennett’s happy homecoming included six catches for 89 yards. “I’ve known Earl for a long time,” said quarterback Jay Cutler. “Earl hasn’t changed one iota since his freshman year at Vandy and probably never will. I just feel comfortable with him out there. He does what he’s supposed to do. In a couple words, he’s just a football player. We need more of those in the locker room.”
David Price set a franchise record with 14 strikeouts in the Rays’ 12-0 win over Toronto Sunday. “That wind blowing in my face did a lot for my two-seamer,” Price said. “So I was having a lot of fun to be able to throw like that. That’s a tough team. That’s a big win for us.” Going inside the numbers, Price is the only MLB pitcher this year to strike out 10+ batters in a game with a fastball.
The Vanderbilt soccer team split its home matches over the weekend with a 2-0 win over Western Kentucky on Friday followed by a 2-1 loss to Missouri State on Sunday.
Brandt Snedeker shot an impressive 10-under 61 in the final round of The Barclays Saturday to earn a third place finish.
Taka Bertrand has been appointed interim head men’s and women’s tennis coach at the University of Chicago. “Taka has done an excellent job as our assistant, having received outstanding student evaluations and brought refreshing energy to both coaching and recruiting, as well as promotions,” said Director of Athletics Tom Weingartner.
Additional Commodore News
Football: Under the Helmet: Larry Smith (InsideVandy.com)
Football: Breaking down the 2011 schedule (InsideVandy.com)
Football: Vanderbilt preview (The Commercial Appeal)
Football: Joe Fisher’s Mailbag, August 26 (VUcommodores.com)
Football: NCC announces home & road tailgates (VUcommodores.com)
Baseball: Gray having his way with Double-A hitters (VUcommodores.com)
Quick Slant: SEC expansion rumors (VUcommodores.com)
Video of the Day
In part 2 of the men’s and women’s cross country preseason retreat at Natchez Trace State Park, the Commodores competed in a team challenge, which consisted of canoeing, swimming, running and fitness activities.
Photo of the Day
Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler interacts with youngster Ryan Hogan before the Bears’ preseason game at Tennessee Saturday night.
And if you have Commodore fan photos, please share them with us on our Facebook fan page.
Song of the Day
It’s game week. And what better way to kickoff the season than by having Troy and Gabriella sing about this being the start of something new.