Oct. 21, 2011
Game of Contrasting Styles:
The Army-Vanderbilt game pits the nation’s top rushing offense against one of the nation’s top rushing defenses.
The Black Knights’ triple-option attack is piling up rushing yardage. Army averages 361.3 yards on the ground and has tallied 20 rushing touchdowns. They get virtually all of their yards on the ground.
By contrast, the Commodores rank 27th in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing just 109.7 yards a game. Vanderbilt has also faced three of the nation’s top running backs in consecutive games: Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina, Trent Richardson of Alabama and Isaiah Crowell of Georgia, holding the trio to an average of 73 yards.
The Commodore defense also has allowed just three rushing touchdowns this season. Only two defenses in the nation (Alabama and Utah) have allowed less.
The triple option is a tough attack to slow. In Vanderbilt’s last three games against triple-option teams (Georgia Tech, 2009; Army, 2009; Navy 2004), the Commodores have allowed an average of 272 rushing yards.
Carl Hinkle: Grad of Vanderbilt & West Point
One of the most acclaimed players in Vanderbilt history, offensive lineman Carl Hinkle, has the distinction of graduating from both Vanderbilt and West Point.
A first-team Associated Press All-American center and team captain in 1937, Hinkle was a huge factor in Vanderbilt’s 7-2 record that season. After getting selected in the NFL draft, the Middle Tennessee native decided on a different career path and entered West Point.
As a student on the plain overlooking the Hudson River, Hinkle earned the highest cadet honors. Upon graduation, he served with distinction in World War II. Hinkle was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959.
Fort Campbell Personnel Participating in Pre-Game Activities
On Saturday, fans are urged to enter Vanderbilt Stadium early – if for no other reason to see the special activities honoring the military.
A parachute demonstration team from the 101st Airborne Division at nearby Fort Campbell is scheduled to land on the playing surface 11 minutes prior to kickoff. They’ll be carrying the official game ball, which will be delivered to MG James C. McConville, commanding general of the distinguished 101st.
General McConville is scheduled to perform the official toss coin at midfield.
Looking to End Streak to Academies
The Commodores lost their last three games played against the nation’s service academics: to Army in 2009 (16-13 OT), Navy in 2004 (29-26) and Navy in 2003 (37-27).
Vanderbilt is 8-10-2 all-time against the three institutions: 4-4 vs. Army, 2-3 vs. Air Force and 2-3-2 vs. Navy.
Remarkable Individual Performances in Games vs. Academies
Some of the greatest individual performances in Vanderbilt history have come in games against the academics.
Frank Mordica’s team record of 321 rushing yards and five rushing TDs came against Air Force on Nov. 18, 1978. The second-best passing performance in Vanderbilt history came against Air Force in the 1982 Hall of Fame Bowl: Whit Taylor’s 452 passing yards.
Many of Taylor’s passes during the bowl went to slotback Norman Jordan, who ended the postseason appearance with a team-record 20 catches.
Defense: Performing in the Red Zone
Nice stat on Vanderbilt’s defensive red-zone efficiency coming from SEC media relations office via the weekly “SECond Helping” column.
The Commodores tops the SEC in percentage of red zone TDs allowed. Vanderbilt has allowed just six red zone TDs in 14 chances (42.9%).
Hal’s Kickoff Return for TD Was Rare
Andre Hal’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Georgia was the first kickoff returned for a score against an SEC team this season, according to league staffers.
Opportunity to Meet Jay Cutler in Nashville
The Fourth Annual Block and White Party, with proceeds benefiting the Jay Cutler Foundation that supports children with diabetes, will be held Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m. at the private space behind Virago, 1126 McGavock Street.
Dress for the party is black and/or white, upscale casual/cocktail attire. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. General Admission tickets $40. Tables for six and 10 are available.
Tickets include one complimentary drink, complimentary One Hope wine and appetizers. For more info, email theblockagency@yahoo.com.
Unique NFL QB Note
The three players up for FedEx’s NFL Quarterback of the Week honors this week based on superb performances last week – Cutler of the Bears, Aaron Rodgers of the Packers and Josh Freeman of the Bucs – have assorted ties to the Commodores, its staff and current roster.
Cutler, of course, started four years as Vanderbilt’s signal caller. Rodgers is an older brother of Jordan Rodgers, who is expected to get his first career start at QB against Army. Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin and QB coach Ricky Rahne mentored Freeman in his early development at Kansas State.
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