After Week 2, Vanderbilt 2-0 for only third time since 1976

by Greg Frayser
Vanderbilt Fan


Vanderbilt players celebrate a 24-17 win over South Carolina. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Is this Vandy's year to be bowl-bound?

It had not happened since 1992, but on Thursday night the Vanderbilt Commodores beat a ranked opponent on their home field. For the second straight year, Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks found themselves outmatched by a Vandy team that has begun to make big SEC upsets a regular part of each season. For Vandy, the question now seems to be: what next?

When Bobby Johnson was brought in as coach following a championship season at Furman, he inherited a two win team that was largely the joke of the SEC. The adjustment period would be difficult. More two win seasons followed. In a shocking move, Chancellor Gordon Gee abolished the athletic department at Vanderbilt. And yet, a foundation was laid. Historically an SEC doormat, Vanderbilt has won 14 games in the last three seasons with upset road victories over Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and finally sixth-ranked South Carolina just last year.

Still, Vanderbilt remains a team on the outside looking in. While upsets on national stages might be more common, that elusive sixth win continues to be just out of its reach. The 'Dores are still a team that seems to find a way to snatch defeat from the hands of victory. In 2007, Vanderbilt had a shot for a sixth win against Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. But sometimes the ghosts of the past are difficult to escape. Blown 4th quarter leads, botched special teams plays, and let down games following big wins. These traits still haunt Vanderbilt.

The next step is obviously that sixth win and the bowl game that would follow (a Music City Bowl perhaps?), and this season certainly looks like it could be the year. Vanderbilt's next two games are Rice and Ole Miss. If the 'Dores can start the season 4-0, six wins would be within their reach (with games against Miss St. and Duke remaining on their schedule). For this Vanderbilt squad, anything less would be more of the same . . . a disappointment.