Unless our record books are lying -- we’re not going to deny that they’re dusty and maybe the spine is a little flimsy -- that’s not a typo.
Vanderbilt has its first nine-win season since 1915 thanks to a commanding 38-24 win over North Carolina State in the Music City Bowl. Commodores running back Zac Stacy put an exclamation point on his outstanding career with 107 yards and a touchdown while operating many snaps out of the the Wildcat package.
Vandy quarterback Jordan Rodgers also threw for two touchdowns, but just 108 yards. In all, Vanderbilt had just 225 yards of offense. So what’s with the 38 points? Five turnovers probably had something to do with that. The ‘Dores had four of their 15 drives start 60 yards or less from the opposing end zone, scoring on two.
So while Vanderbilt didn’t have an offensive show to match the points, it was an impressive stamp on the program’s best season in nearly a century. That was helped in part by the fact the ‘Dores didn’t beat anybody in the regular season with a winning record (Ole Miss is the closest at 6-6).
If Vandy wants to continue to make strides (or moves on the ladies) under coach James Franklin, it needs a signature win in 2013. This team had an opportunity in Week 1 against South Carolina and couldn’t get it done. Does that change next year?