Sept. 21, 2011
Two Unbeaten Teams Meeting in Columbia
The Vanderbilt-South Carolina game is one of seven matchups across the nation pitting two undefeated teams against each other. Both the Commodores and Gamecocks are 3-0. This also marks the first time that Vanderbilt and South Carolina will have met with both sporting undefeated records through three games.
Regarding the seven games pitting unbeatens, three feature Southeastern Conference teams: Vanderbilt/South Carolina, LSU (3-0) makes their second straight tough road trip by going to West Virginia (3-0), while Alabama (3-0) and Arkansas (3-0) meet in Tuscaloosa.
Franklin is One of Seven New Coaches Still Undefeated
There were 24 new head coaches at the NCAA FBS level when the season started in late August. Three weeks into the year, Vanderbilt coach James Franklin is one of just seven guiding an undefeated team. Others include Will Muschamp (Florida), Brady Hoke (Michigan), Everett Withers (North Carolina), Rocky Long (San Diego State), David Shaw (Stanford) and Diana Holgorsen (West Virginia).
Bargains Remain for Vanderbilt Season Tickets
Nearly 1,200 season tickets remain available in the Vanderbilt Stadium end zone at $138. That’s $52 off the price of individual tickets to Vanderbilt’s last four home games ($190). Contact the ticket office at (615) 322-GOLD (4653) or go to vucommodores.com.
‘Dores Back on ESPN2
The South Carolina encounter will be Vanderbilt’s first on either ESPN2 or ESPN in nearly two seasons. The last Vanderbilt appearance on ESPN2 came late in the 2009 season against Florida – a span of 18 games. In Vanderbilt’s 2008 campaign that ended with a win in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, the Commodores made five appearances on ESPN/ESPN2.
For the Galt’s, Football is a Family Affair
Vanderbilt Director of Performance Enhancement Dwight Galt has conditioned college football players for a quarter century. He’s even conditioned his own sons playing the sport. But on Saturday, he’s going to encounter family facing him on the opposing sideline.
Both of Galt’s sons, Dwight IV and Tommy, are coaches on Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina staff. Dwight IV is currently in his second year as an assistant strength coach for Carolina football. Tommy is an offensive graduate assistant for the Gamecocks.
One of Galt’s closest associates in the conditioning arena is Craig Fitzgerald, South Carolina’s Strength Director. Fitzgerald played at Maryland from 1994-96, conditioning under Galt’s guidance, then worked as Galt’s top strength assistant with the Terrapins from 2000-05.
Holding Opponents Under 100 Rushing Yards
In going to 3-0, Vanderbilt has held all three of its opponents under 100 rushing yards. It’s been 16 years since the Commodores’ defense last accomplished that three-game feat, dating back to a three-game stretch in 1995 against Ole Miss, Kentucky and Louisiana Tech.
Opposing Teams Winning Turnover Margin
The Commodores and Gamecocks have used a positive turnover margin to reach 3-0 early in the season. The Commodores are +6 in turnover margin through three games, forcing two fumbles and picking off a NCAA-best 10 passes. South Carolina ranks third in the SEC in turnover margin, forcing nine turnovers while committing seven turnovers.
VU-SC Games Close in Recent Years
The Vanderbilt-South Carolina series is becoming known as a close one. Since 2007, the teams have split four games with the combined score knotted at 58-58.
Two Commodores Coming off SEC Weekly Awards
For the first time in recent team history, two Commodore student-athletes were honored during the same week by the Southeastern Conference for their performance in the previous game. On Monday, Trey Wilson (Jr., CB) and Wesley Johnson (R-So., center) were named SEC Defensive Player and Offensive Lineman of the Week for their efforts in Vanderbilt’s 30-7 victory over Ole Miss. It marked the first time two Vanderbilt student-athletes were recognized during the same week since the league office expanded individual honors five years ago.
For Johnson, it was his second recognition in as many years. In 2010, playing offensive tackle, Johnson earned Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after Vanderbilt’s 28-14 win at Ole Miss. He was recognized last week for his contribution at center in the Commodores’ 30-7 victory over Ole Miss.
Wilson owns the rare fact of being recognized as the SEC’s top defensive player without making an official tackle. All Wilson did was intercept two passes, returning one for a score, and defend three other pass attempts.
Weird: Vandy Only Team in America to Already Surpass 2010 Win Total
Vanderbilt is the only team in America that has surpassed its 2010 win total through the first three games of 2011. In fact, the Commodores’ 3-0 record also surpasses the win total from the 2009 campaign.
Biggest SEC Winning Margin in 40 Years
Vanderbilt’s 23-point victory over Ole Miss (30-7) marks the widest winning margin by the Commodores in Southeastern Conference play since it defeated Mississippi State 49-19 on Sept. 25, 1971.