Oct. 4, 2012
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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. |
Joe, the story about Brandt Snedeker was wonderfully written and really gave the reader a feel for what it was like to be there in person. You really captured the essence of those moments and managed to give a glimpse at Brandt’s character and the joy of all of us Vanderbilt fans. Thanks for a great piece of journalism.
– Michael Dixon (Lebanon, Tenn.)
Thank you for the kind words. It was a tremendous thrill for me to be there to witness Brandt’s performance. I know he was disappointed in the Ryder Cup outcome, as we all were, but what a marvelous year it was for him. It’s my understanding Brandt will be back in Nashville very soon and will be honored during one of our football games, so we’ll all have a chance to congratulate him.
Joe, please ask coach Franklin, “what has happened to the trick plays that they ran last year that were so successful?” We saw none in the bowl game and has seen none this year. Thanks
– James Rogers (Cane Ridge, Tenn.)
There are a selected number of “trick plays” factored into every game plan.You only put a couple in each game plan because they require specific practice and preparation to execute. They are only utilized if the situation and the opponent’s defensive alignment provides exactly what you’re looking for. So far, those situations haven’t come up, but rest assured they are in the game plan.
With all the local youth talent as we saw in the LL World Series why hasn’t VU tried to start a women’s softball team to compete in the SEC?
– Kenny Cothron (Greenbrier, Tenn.)
I think a lot of us would love to see softball as a varsity sport here, but there are a couple of distinct challenges that keep it from happening. The number of scholarships that would have to be added to make softball a varsity sport would be a huge expense. A tremendous challenge also would be where to play. As you know, we’re pretty much landlocked here on campus, with not a lot of options for a location for another stadium, not to mention the expense of building one dedicated to softball. As a result, I don’t see softball on the horizon anytime soon.
How well do you think Jordan Rodgers or Austyn Carta-Samuels has to play to clinch the start every week, or do you think it will always be a toss up?
– Ben Elasy (Tennessee)
I don’t think it will always be a week by week decision, and I know Coach Franklin is hoping that one quarterback will clearly solidify his position and take the spot. It’s one thing to establish yourself in practice, but what we need is a consistent and solid in-game performance to help settle the issue.
Obviously, we are not competitive. Georgia may be good, but if we are that far behind, we need to quit. So, Joe, here’s the question: When does VU stop the charade of playing football in the SEC?
– Fred Stumpf (Houston, Texas)
I understand sometimes those of us who are emotionally invested in our sports teams get frustrated. But, I do admit, I chuckle a bit every time this question comes up. I don’t think there’s anyone in the Southeastern Conference that doesn’t consider Vanderbilt competitive. Prior to that loss at Georgia, our last five SEC losses had been decided by a touchdown or less. To me, being competitive isn’t the issue. We’ve got to take the next step of winning those close, competitive games, and I’m confident Coach Franklin and the staff will get us there.
What is the story on John Cole? I have not seen him much on the field. Is he okay? He seems to on the field less and less; just wondering if he could be asset to some of this offense.
– David Hamilton (Nashville, Tenn.)
John certainly is an asset to this team. You’ll remember they looked for him on three straight possessions in the final minutes at Northwestern. Right now, John is listed as the backup to Chris Boyd and is surrounded by a pretty deep group of playmakers, including Jordan Matthews, Jonathan Krause and Josh Grady. He is just fine.