Now that ESPN’s “College GameDay” is set to broadcast from Vanderbilt’s campus for the first time, the planning and preparations are beginning to take shape.

“I don’t think people realize how big it’s gotten,” said GameDay senior producer Michael Fountain.

At the same time, coach Bobby Johnson and the players said the focus must remain on the game.



It didn’t take much for Johnson to keep his team grounded as it prepares to host No. 13 Auburn this Saturday. All he had to do was pop in the game tape from last year’s 35-7 thrashing.

“They sort of took us to the woodshed,” Johnson said.

Within the same notebook, it’s reported that quarterback Chris Nickson (shoulder) should be ready to go.



Here are two statistics that help explain Vanderbilt’s 4-0 start: the Commodores are No. 1 in the nation in turnover ratio (+2.25) and No. 2 in fewest penalties (11).

“Our defensive staff does a fantastic job of being aggressive,” Johnson said. “It’s sort of a mindset now that we’re going to be aggressive, no matter what the other team does.”

It’s worth pointing out that Vanderbilt has also outscored its opponents 51-10 in the second half.



Huntsville Times columnist Bill Bryant remembers 1982 well. As he put it, “it was a time when following Vanderbilt was fun and actually made sense.”

Led by quarterback Whit Taylor, the Commodores finished 8-4 that season, losing to Air Force in the old Hall of Fame Bowl. They haven’t been back to a bowl since.

“We’re more than willing to pass the torch to another team,” Taylor said. “I hope this is the one.”

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