Aug. 31, 2011
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by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
We launched the 2011 Football Gameday Central site which includes a detailed timeline of events on campus before kickoff. Don’t miss Dore Alley Walk, one of the new activities added to improve the pregame atmosphere. Make sure you arrive by 4 p.m. to support the team as they walk thru the heart of Vandyville.
Show your unity for the Commodores as we get closer to football gameday. We already have 140 fan comments and counting on our Facebook Black and Gold chant.
James Franklin’s first Call-In Show is set for Thursday night at the Commodore Grille. Also, find out how you can support the football team by becoming a member of the exclusive GridIron Club.
Trey Wilson has emerged as the starting corner opposite Casey Hayward. “I’ve been very impressed (with Wilson),” Coach Franklin said. “Not only is it going to help him, but it’s going to help Hayward. In the past, I think maybe people were throwing away from (Hayward). Now this is going to create a situation where we have two corners on either side with depth behind them … guys that can make plays.”
Franklin will stick with fifth-year senior Larry Smith at starting quarterback for the opener against Elon. “Larry’s definitely more comfortable,” offensive tackle Kyle Fischer said. “I sense he has more confidence in himself and the offense this year.”
Offensive guard Mylon Brown thinks his lack of playing time in past seasons was due to his own shortcomings. “To say that I felt like I should have played more would be saying the coaches cheated me, [but] I just cheated myself,” Brown said. “I got what I deserved. Last year I was a body just looking to get through practice. Now, I actually want to be good at football. … I don’t allow myself to drag behind.”
Franklin announced his first official depth chart to the media at Monday’s press conference.
The Commodores are focused on executing their game plan and not overlooking Elon.
Offensive coordinator John Donovan will handle the play calling duties to start the season.
Learn more about Elon in these three news stories: Elon Ready For Season Opener Against Vanderbilt | In terms of experience, Elon coach fits right in | How Elon changed not only coaches, but systems too
ESPN.com’s college basketball writers participated in a roundtable and the Commodores were mentioned in their discussion on the best teams in the country.
The Vanderbilt cross country teams will open their season in Nashville Friday at the Belmont-VU Open.
Mets outfielder Mike Baxter visited the MLB Fan Cave in support of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund’s Equipment Day Initiative.
Bobby Reynolds was eliminated in the first round of the US Open Tuesday.
Additional Commodore News
Football: Smith to start for Commodores (ESPN.com)
Football: Low’s 2011 SEC fearless predictions (ESPN.com)
Football: Titans waive Haye, Stokes (Tennessean.com)
Football: Media Monday interviews, quotes (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Schulz: Franklin releases depth chart (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Five Commodores selected as captains (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Game notes and depth charts, Elon game (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Bears at Titans Photo Gallery (VUcommodores.com)
Women’s Basketball: Ndip joins WBB team as walk-on (VUcommodores.com)
Cross Country: Preseason retreat, part 3: S’mores (VUcommodores.com)
Video of the Day
Franklin’s Fundamentals: Commitment (Archive)
Photo of the Day
Commodores Unite (Desktop Wallpaper)
Song of the Day
Keb’ Mo’ “You Can Love Yourself”