Vanderbilt Hotline: Late Afternoon Edition

There is clearly a lot to talk about in Commodore Nation. Kevin Stallings and the boys are ranked in both times for the first time since the 2003-2004 season, cracking the AP this week at #17 and the ESPN/USA Today Poll (for the first time) at #21. Not only that, but for the first time EVER, the Vanderbilt Baseball team has been ranked #1 by Collegiate Baseball. They are currently ranked #3 by Rivals and Baseball America.

It is a renaissance for Vanderbilt sports, and we at the Vanderbilt Sports Line would like to take a little but of credit. By showing that there were Vanderbilt fans out there who cared, the Commodores have “answered, and answered with vigor” by going on a tear across the sports spectrum. So, everyone out there who is reading the blog, talking Commie sports, and just generally caring, consider yourself an integral part of Vanderbilt’s recent success. With your help, we can keep the streak alive.
Vanderbilt fans have finally made it, as the post-game antics of the maniacs have drawn the ire of “the man” in the form of a $25,000 fine. I have included a link to the National Commodore Club’s website for anyone out there who wants to contribute to the cause. They keep winning games that warrant court-storming, and we’ll keep sending money! SEC Commissioner Mike Sliver, you should be expecting to hear from us later this week when we unveil this week’s Vanderbilt Sports Line “Hoser of the Week.”

For his efforts last week, Senior Guard (and all around stud) Derrick Byars was named SEC Player of the Week, the second time this season he has been so honored. I know that I am a homer, but if Derrick Byars doesn’t win SEC Player of the Year it will be an absolute travesty. I know Clark Kellogg agrees. Derrick scored 32 against South Carolina and 24 against Florida and is currently ranked 2nd in the SEC, averaging 19.7 points a game. For the week, Byars shot an amazing 64.7 percent from the field (22-of-34), 46.1 percent from 3-point range (6-of-13) and averaged 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 steals.

The Lady Commies are also on a roll, winning yesterday against South Carolina 83-65 at Memorial. The Commies are now 24-3 overall, 9-3 in conference, and ranked #12 in the AP. Joining Byars, Caroline Williams was named SEC Player of the Week. Caroline scored 50 points this week (24 against Mississippi State and 26 against South Carolina). Congratulations, Caroline.

Vanderbilt Baseball swept a 3-game series against the Ohio Bobcats, lifting their record to 6-0 and earning their first ever #1 ranking from Collegiate Baseball. I know I already mentioned this, but it just sounds too good to only address once. Check Woody’s recap for a complete run-down.

Finally, recently committed Commie Jamie Graham is hoping to be a two-sport athlete for Vanderbilt. While Graham is a football player first, he is going to try and play basketball next season, and as of now, it does not appear as if Coach Bobby Johnson is going to stand in his way.

This week, check back for the Big Guy’s new column, the “Hoser of the Week,” and the SEC Pick’em.