Thursday, August 28, 2008

VSL Hotline: Opening Night, Edition

It's here. The moment we've all been waiting for. In a little over 7 hours, the Vanderbilt Commodores will open up their 2008 season at Miami (OH). This is a big game for the Commodores, not only because they are opening up on the road, but because they enter tonight's contest a 4 point dog.

As usual here at the VSL, we'll start with the Man We Love to Hait's notes on tonight's game from this morning's Nashville City Paper. As Brett points out, Vanderbilt had no problem moving the ball against Miami in the opening last season, but with 3 of the RedHawks linebackers on the watch list for the Butkus Award, there is some doubt as to whether that will be quite so easy this time around. Add to that this Miami team is pumped up about hosting and SEC opponent, and you have to think CBJ's squad will have it's hands full.

The Tennessean's got a good primer worth a read. Also, be sure to check out Mo Patton's article on Reilly Lauer, who is expected to make his first start at Offensive Linemen tonight. The Tennessean's also got a story on DJ Moore helping out on the offensive side of the ball, a Q&A with Bobby Johnson, and a piece on the "Emerging Stars" on this roster.

It's Game Day...let's get the chatter going. Predicitions?



Bobby, OUT

6 comments:

Boyer in the District said...

Despite being a 4 point underdog, I think the Commies should get it done:

Vandy 24
Miami (OH) 17

Anonymous said...

Chris: This offense is second nature to you. Read your keys and play loose.

Ted: Test their defense through the air, down the field, early: My guess is that Miami predicts a conservative offensive package.

Defense: Bring it tonight.

Douglas James said...

Agreed I mean with all the talent on offense last year the play calling was way to conservative. Now with alot of that gone I am worried. I have a feeling it will be alot of 2 short runs and then hoping Nickson can convert 3rd and long. Hopefully we take some chances on 1st down and get Miami on its heels early. I have absolutely no confidence in this prediction but Vandy winning 17-10 seems just as likely as anything else

Seamus O'Toole said...

I want to summarily berate whoever took Miami and the under.

Unknown said...

I think we'll pull it off, but I'm not confident that it will be pretty. I'm scared that Douglas and Jason are right in that the play calling will be atrocious and will leave us in some binds. If we get up early, it will be a true indication of future play calling in the later quarters if we get too conservative and go 3 and out too often.

I'm going to be at a work event tonight, but will be screaming "Slam 'em Dores" as much as possible.

Anonymous said...

Tim Tebow? Fine...we've got Chris Nickson...and I'm not kidding.

Forget his professional record...Nickson reminded me of Donovan McNabb at Syracuse tonight.

Excellent performance all around. Granted it was a MAC team...but well done.