Nov. 12, 2011
It’s been a long time since a senior class has walked out of Vanderbilt Stadium for the last time with a win. In fact, you have to go back to 2003. Before 2003, you have to go back to 1995. In short, what happened Saturday with Vanderbilt’s 38-8 thrashing of Kentucky was something the Commodores are not used to.
Typically tattered and bruised as the calendar turns to the season’s final month, Vanderbilt’s teams of the past have struggled to keep pace with its opponents in November, losing 18 of its previous 19 games in the month until Saturday’s win. With the win, Vanderbilt is now 5-34 in games played in November since 2000.
Now, those struggles of the past, couldn’t seem further away. Instead of going backwards, the Commodores are moving forward, and are doing so quickly.
The foundation of the program is being laid, and standing at the forefront are Vanderbilt’s seniors, which were honored before Saturday’s game. The class is now one win away from becoming the first class in school history to qualify for two bowl games.
“These seniors are going to be remembered as the group that laid the foundation for years to come and really taught these other guys how to compete and how to persevere, and to me that is what life is all about,” Head Coach James Franklin said.
After going to the Music City Bowl as freshmen and then suffering through back-to-back 2-10 seasons, the senior class is reveling in every moment of the the ride they have experienced this season.
“Going out the way we did today is what we had in mind,” senior linebacker Chris Marve said. “Definitely coming in as a class, you want your class to have its mark on the program and I think we are taking strides in that direction.”
Since his arrival on campus, Franklin has talked about the importance of this year’s senior class. With three coaches in their Vanderbilt careers, it would have been easy for the class to turn the other way, but instead of laying down, the class fully bought into the message of the coaching staff and have been leaders throughout the season.
The leadership by the senior class has not gone unnoticed by Franklin. On Saturday, he wanted to reward those seniors by providing a good many of them with snaps in their final home game.
“It is about investment and they have invested a lot into this place,” Franklin said. “Being able to send those guys out for somewhat of a curtain call, I think is important for the fans and our players to understand how much they’ve put into this. It means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to their teammates and this university as a whole.
“I’m just really, really proud of these guys because this is what it is all about – having a great college experience here at Vanderbilt. Not only are they getting a great education, which we all understand is ultimately about and always will be, but also to be able to have a great experience on the football field.”
Among those seniors, who saw a more significant role on Saturday was defensive tackle T.J. Greenstone. A former captain and starter, Greenstone has dealt with injuries this season and lost his starting job. On Saturday, Franklin inserted him into the starting lineup for his final home game.
“I’ve been working my butt off and whatever my role may be, whether it is starting or on the bench, I am going to do my best to fulfill that, but it meant a lot to me to get that start,” said Greenstone, who collected 1/2 a sack in the contest.
There remains a lot of season to be played with two and hopefully three games to be played, but Vanderbilt will enjoy Saturday’s win to its fullest. For the senior class, it will be a day they will never forget.
“It has been a long 4 1/2 years, both ups and downs, and there is nothing better than going out on the football field with my teammates and going out with a win over Kentucky,” Greenstone said. “Looking out on that field and just knowing that is going to be the last time that I play there, means a lot to me. If there is one way I want to go out (at home), I want to go out like that.”
Just Another Game Next Week
Although, Vanderbilt’s team was greeted by cheers of “Beat UT” as they crossed Jess Neely Drive and returned to the locker room inside the McGugin Center, Coach Franklin made it a point that the team will approach next week’s game just as they would any other game. So far the approach of one week at a time, six seconds at a time has been successful, and Franklin has no plans of changing it, even for a rivalry game.
“I understand that that game is important. I understand that it is important to the community and our Vanderbilt alums and the people that work on this campus, and our players, but I’m going to stick to our plan. And our plan is focusing on Vanderbilt and going out and playing our best football six seconds at a time.
“I know it is very emotional and personal to people, but I don’t want it to become that. We’ve been able to play consistent all year long because we’ve taken the same approach: positive message and being consistent over and over again, and I really don’t want to vary from that.”
That same message has not been lost on the players.
“When you think about UT, you think about the big rivalry,” Stacy said. “Obviously there is a lot at stake, but at the same time, we are not going to change anything. We are going to keep doing what we are doing.”
And if that results in a victory next Saturday?
“It would be amazing,” Marve said. “It is my last year and I love this program. I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this program and for my brothers on this team. If we can get a W next week, which we have full intentions of doing, it would be huge for us.”
Stacy Caps Day with Memorable Run
Zac Stacy scored three touchdowns in the game, but none took more effort or will be remembered more than the final one. With 6:45 to play in the game, Stacy took a carry to the left side of the line and got to about the 7-yard line where he was met by a swarm of Kentucky defenders. However, instead of going down, he kept his legs churning and suddenly the pile began to move forward as his teammates started to push. Stacy continued to fight and he wound up in the end zone with one of the most remarkable touchdown carries you will see.
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“It was basically a lot of adrenaline and a lot of movement of the feet,” Stacy said. “It was just a great effort not only by me but I think a couple of the guys were able to push me in. It was a team touchdown.”
Asked what he saw as he was pushing his way into the end zone, Stacy replied, “I just saw a lot of white jerseys.”
Senior offensive lineman Kyle Fischer noted that Stacy’s run was an outstanding representation of the attitude of Vanderbilt’s team this year.
“He could have gone down, but everyone on the offense, the o-line, receivers, tight ends and even Zac himself (were) driving the pile; everyone (was) getting behind each other,” Fischer said. “That is just resiliency of this team showing that we never quit no matter if we are up or down we never give up, we are always fighting.”
Stacy finished the game with 135 yards on 28 carries and moved ahead of Kwane Doster for 12th all-time on the career rushing list. Stacy now has four games of 100-plus yards this season, and is quietly developing into one of the better backs in the SEC. The junior running back now has 891 yards on the season.
Five Wins at Home
Vanderbilt concluded its home slate with a 5-2 record. The five wins were the most by a Commodore team since the 1982 squad finished 6-0. Winning at home is a significant step forward for a program that has longed for a homefield advantage.
“I don’t know what happened in the past,” Franklin said. “I haven’t opened any history books. People have told me, but just from the day we arrived on campus, we had a mission and a plan, and we are taking steps toward that plan. Obviously, what we were able to do this year at home is important, but what you also have to do is you have to learn how to win tough games on the road, which is what this conference is all about.”
Even in Vanderbilt’s two losses, fans were treated to exciting football. The Commodores lost to Arkansas and Georgia by a total of eight points. The improvement at home is a giant leap forward for the team, and the players hope it will only continue to get better.
“Hopefully our fan base builds every game,” Greenstone said. “When we are at home and can deliver a great product, that gets the community excited, that keeps us excited. Hopefully Vandy becomes a place people don’t enjoy playing.”
Looking for a Shutout
A shutout appeared within reach Saturday as Kentucky struggled to move the football behind freshman quarterback Maxwell Smith, who was constantly under siege by Vanderbilt’s defensive line. The Wildcats gained just 41 yards in the first half.
But Vanderbilt’s hopes for a shutout were dashed with 1:41 to play in the third quarter when Smith found Nick Melillo from 22 yards out for a touchdown.
The score left a sour taste in the Chris Marve’s mouth.
“I really would have wanted to shut them out. Them scoring was a blown coverage on our part. I don’t feel like they should have scored. Other than that, I am happy with the outcome.”
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