Vanderbilt Is National Team of the Week

For Immediate Release
Back-up quarterback McKenzie Adams came off the bench and lead Vanderbilt to its first win over a ranked team in 52 years, which lead to the Commodores being awarded this week's Southern Fans' National Team of the Week honor. Vanderbilt rebounded from an early 13-0 hole to defeat Auburn for the first time since 1955. The win gives Vandy five for the year, one shy of bowl eligibility. The Commodores haven't been to a bowl since 1982, while the 5-0 start is Vandy's best record since opening the 1943 season with an identical record.

The come-from-behind win is nothing new to the Commodores - Vanderbilt has trailed in each of their five victories this season. In addition to the 14-point run against Auburn, Vandy scored 16 straight against Ole Miss, 24 against Rice, 21 against South Carolina and 17 against Miami (Ohio).

The Dores are the fourth team from the Southeastern Conference to be named the National Team of the Week, and the third in as many weeks. Louisiana State received the award following its own victory over Auburn.

Other nominees for this week's Southern Fans' National Team of the Week:

North Carolina (4-1)
W - Connecticut 38-12
Converted safety Shawn Draughn ran for 109 yards and a score as the Tar Heels recorded their first win over an AP-ranked non-conference opponent since 1997 with their 38-12 win over Connecticut.

Pittsburgh (4-1)
W - at South Florida 26-21
LeSean McCoy ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers upset 10th-ranked South Florida, 26-21, in Tampa

Hawaii
W - Fresno State
Hawaii capitalized on six Bulldog turnovers to record the first road victory over a ranked team in Warrior history, as Daniel Kelly made up for a blocked field near the end of regulation with a 33-yard to end the game in overtime.

The Southern Fans' Poll began naming a national team of the week this season. Members of the Southern Fan's pool of voters decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the Southern Fans will name the National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

2008 Southern Fans' National Teams of the Week
• Weekend of Aug. 30: Alabama
• Weekend of Sept. 6: East Carolina
• Weekend of Sept. 13: Southern California
• Weekend of Sept. 20: Louisiana State
• Weekend of Sept. 27: Ole Miss
• Weekend of Oct. 4: Vanderbilt