Oct. 21, 2011
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question Wondering about a player, a game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
Do you think the issue with the field lights during the Georgia game indicates a need for a new or improved lighting system? I believe the current lights have been around since at least the stadium reconstruction in 1981 and that ESPN has brought in extra field lights in the past for television purposes.
– Mike Cunningham, Nashville
The lights out issue wasn’t anything related to an antiquated system. Transformers blow out now and then, regardless of the newness of the system. That being said, I do know that new lighting for our venues has been discussed as part of the long range facilities upgrade plan. It is an expensive change, and one I don’t see happening immediately. But, it is certainly something that has been discussed and investigated.
What is the reasoning behind our punters occasionally having to perform rugby style punts? Richard Kent has the ability to punt with a good hang-time and drop the ball inside the 20-yard line. Rugby punting is typically not nearly as accurate as a straight on punt, nor produces a long punt. There are a lot of fans asking that question.
– Ed, Georgia
Rugby punting is directional punting. It is designed to try and pin a return to a specific area, get plenty of roll, and not allow a return. I think for the most part our special teams have played very well. I would assume you’ll continue to see the rugby punt on occasion as part of our scheme.
Joe, for the second week, I have heard rumblings of Vandy’s offensive line using illegal blocking techniques, mainly low blocks. I have watched both the Bama and UGA games and can not see anything out of the ordinary. Apparently, the officials haven’t seen anything as they have not penalized VU. So, my question: Is the offensive line guilty of illegal blocking? Are they using any technique that could be constructed as illegal?
– David Henderson, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
You will occasionally hear grumblings from teams who feel offensive linemen dive at the legs of defensive players. This is a legal play for those lined up within seven yards of the ball. There is nothing illegal about an offensive lineman cutting the legs of a defensive lineman, unless that player is engaged with another blocker.
I don’t know if you mentioned it during your broadcast.Check out the last 2:22 of the Georgia game. Rodgers is nearly sacked in the end zone, but escapes and runs out of bounds with 2:22 on the clock. The clock stops for a few seconds but starts again and there is 1:59 on the clock when the ball is snapped. Those extra 23 seconds would have been nice to have at the end of the game.
– Phil Regen, Nashville
Under NCAA rules, the clock stops when the ball goes out of bounds, and restarts when the ball is deemed ready for play by the officials, except in the final two minutes of each half. So, the rules were followed in this situation.
During Coach Franklin’s tenure at Maryland, you knew what the identity of the offensive side of the ball was. I do understand that Coach Franklin talks about being multiple … It’s early in the season, but what do you see as Vandy’s identity? Do they have one yet? What do you see is the strengths, O-line, receivers, RB’s?
– Qualls, Bethesda, Md.
I think one of the strengths of the offensive line is the ability to have guys play multiple positions. Wesley Johnson has played tackle and center; Ryan Seymour has played tackle and guard. To be able to shift guys around depending on the situation is a plus. We gave up far too many sacks early in the season. I think you’re seeing an offensive line that has grown and matured in recent weeks, and is doing a much better job protecting the quarterback.