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GAME DAY, OCT. 25 - DUKE AT VANDERBILT Game starts at 2:00 p.m. CT on Dudley Field at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.; Radio broadcast available on 104.5 FM; Gametracker Live Stats available RELATED LINKS: VU's Gameday Central | Photo Galleries | 2008 Stats | Polls/Rankings VANDERBILT PRESS The Commodores have suited up for seven tough games this season, but their black and gold helmets always seem to shine under the stadium lights. This week's contest is no different as the Vanderbilt equipment staff has already ensured the excellent condition of the helmets for Saturday's game against the Duke Blue Devils. "Helmets shine for game time" by Josh Arntz, VUcommodores.com Sign-up for All Access (free) to watch this week's episode of Commodore Connection featuring football head coach Bobby Johnson. Footage includes last week's highlights from Georgia plus a spotlight segment with senior tailback Jeff Jennings. "Video: Commodore Connection show" Courtesy of Comcast Spotlight, VUcommodores.com LOCAL PRESS Today's Duke-Vanderbilt game won't draw any national attention. There is no Heisman Trophy candidate. The BCS will not be altered because of the outcome. But it is a vital game for both programs, in the present and the future. It's no secret that Vanderbilt will become bowl eligible by defeating Duke. It would be Vanderbilt's sixth win of the season and the Commodores could add to that number with Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Wake Forest remaining. "VU-Duke winner will see forward progress today" by Joe Biddle, "The Tennessean" For a brief stretch after Vanderbilt's 5-7 finish last fall, it appeared that Bobby Johnson was going to be on the visiting sideline for today's game. After the November dismissal of then-coach Ted Roof, who went 6-45 in four-plus seasons, Duke officials discussed their vacancy with Johnson. Days later, he withdrew his name from the process. Tennessee offensive coordinator and ex-Ole Miss Coach David Cutcliffe was hired Dec. 15. "Upgrades for Duke didn't lure Johnson" by Maurice Patton, "The Tennessean" HOW VANDERBILT CAN WIN The Commodores will need to build on the offensive balance they showed at Georgia. They ran the ball more effectively than expected, while quarterback Mackenzi Adams had his second 100-yard passing effort of the season. They will need to bottle up quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, one of the ACC's best. "Duke-Vanderbilt game at a glance" by "The Tennessean" DUKE PRESS In trying to build a deeper defense as part of the infrastructure for future excellence, Duke defensive coordinators Mike MacIntyre and Marion Hobby have developed a solid playing rotation among the down linemen and have been able to ease several promising young players into action in the secondary this fall. But there are two players who virtually never leave the field when the defense is out there, regardless of down, distance or game situation. Linebackers Michael Tauiliili and Vincent Rey line up for almost every snap of the ball, and chances are good that at least one of them will be around it when the play is blown dead. "Blue Collar Backers" by John Roth (Blue Devil Weekly), GoDuke.com For David Cutcliffe, Saturday will mark the first time the head coach will return to SEC country where he spent the past 26 seasons either roaming the sidelines or calling plays from up in the coaches box. "I am excited," Cutcliffe said. "I like going back into a familiar venue. I have got a lot of memories in that stadium. It is a great venue and there will be a lot of energy surrounding the game. I am looking forward to it." "Duke Travels To Vanderbilt For ACC-SEC Matchup On Saturday" by Michael Tomko, GoDuke.com David Cutcliffe will visit one of his old SEC haunts today when Duke plays Vanderbilt at 3 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn. Cutcliffe has been a regular visitor to Vanderbilt Stadium since 1982, when he started his coaching career as an assistant at Tennessee. He later moved to Mississippi as the head coach, and his old teams won most of their games at Vanderbilt. "Duke hits the road to take on Vanderbilt" by Bill Cole, "Winston-Salem Journal" Thursday, Oct. 23 Daily news articles about the Vanderbilt Football Program and its opponents. VANDERBILT PRESS Sign-up for Commodore Nation All Access (Free) to watch CBS College Sports feature with wide receiver Jamie Graham. "Video: Going Long with Graham" Courtesy of CBS College Sports, VUcommodores.com The Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) at Vanderbilt University will offer coordinated recycling at Vanderbilt's last three home football games this season, beginning this Saturday, Oct. 25, at the game against Duke. "Recycling program starts at Duke game" by Vanderbilt News Service, VUcommodores.com Vanderbilt would play its first night football in Baton Rouge, La., against LSU on October 28, 1933. The Tigers have a long tradition of playing their gridiron games under the lights. Their first night game occurred just two years earlier in 1931 with an LSU victory over Spring Hill, 35-0. Since that time the Tigers have played the majority of their home games at night. "VU plays first night game in 1933" by Bill Traughber, VUcommodores.com LOCAL PRESS It's an extra special Homecoming week for Vanderbilt's football team. The Commodores take on Duke at home with a chance to get a sixth victory -- one that would clinch bowl eligibility. And because of that, former Vanderbilt football players are showing up this week to give their support to the current Commodores. Two former VU players -- Tavarus Hogans and Andre Woods -- attended practice on Wednesday, and they were beaming with pride about the performance of the 2008 Commodores. "VU football alums thrilled with 2008 season" by Matt Wilson, "The City Paper" Duke defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre will have his own homecoming Saturday when the Blue Devils visit Vanderbilt. MacIntyre is a former Vanderbilt student and the son of former Commodores Coach George MacIntyre, who headed the team from 1979-85. Before coming to Nashville, George MacIntyre was Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson's position coach at Clemson. "Vanderbilt is home for Duke assistant" by David Rutz, "The Tennessean" When the Vanderbilt football team, who is off to their best start since 1956, hits the field on Saturdays, it's no secret to sports buffs that a great deal of the efficiency that is seen during the game is the project of a lot of work well before the game or even the season begins. What most people around Sparta don't realize is a White County High School alum has a hand in that development. Gabe Teeple, a 1994 graduate of WCHS and former Warrior football player, is currently in his third season as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Commodore football and baseball teams. "Former Warrior now a part of Vanderbilt athletics" by Tammy Wilhite, "The Expositor" DUKE PRESS Conference play has not been kind to the Blue Devils in recent years. Duke went 0-24 in the ACC in former head coach Ted Roof's last three seasons, and the team has dropped two straight league matchups after opening 1-0 this year. But when the Blue Devils hit the road to take on non-conference foe Vanderbilt Saturday, Duke just might be facing the best team it will see all year, in any conference. "Cutcliffe, Duke look to mimic VU's success" by Gabe Starosta, "The Chronicle" Wednesday, Oct. 22 Daily news articles about the Vanderbilt Football Program and its opponents. VANDERBILT PRESS Read the official football game notes for Saturday's non-conference matchup with Duke at 2 p.m. CT in Vanderbilt Stadium. "Game Notes: Duke at Vanderbilt" by VUcommodores.com Did you miss this week's Commodore Call-In Show with football head coach Bobby Johnson? Then sign-up for All Access (FREE) to listen to the entire program. (Note - you have to fast forward through the first part of the audio to get past the previous program) "Audio: Football Call-In Show archived" by VUcommodores.com LOCAL PRESS The Vanderbilt defense thinks it knows what to expect against Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. It's what they don't know that has them a little on edge. Lewis, a 6-2, 200-pound junior, is the Blue Devils' leading passer with 971 yards and seven touchdowns. "Duke offense presents challenges for 'Dores" by Matt Wilson, "The City Paper" After first-time offensive line starters Kyle Fischer and Eric Hensley had successful debuts against Georgia, Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson said Tuesday they would likely be starting again against Duke assuming they have good practices this week. "Nothing's permanent," Johnson said, "but we're going to go with it this week. This is a situation where you have to produce every day." Fischer, a redshirt freshman, made his starting debut at right tackle while Hensley, a redshirt junior, started at right guard. "Linemen get another shot as starters" by David Rutz, "The Tennessean" NATIONAL PRESS Duke players gathered in the huddle Tuesday after their otherwise typical midweek practice when captain Michael Tauiliili spoke up and challenged his teammates: Don't turn into those same old Blue Devils again. "'If you don't want to do it for yourself, if you don't want to do it for these coaches, do it for these seniors, because they have six football games left,"' quarterback Thaddeus Lewis quoted Tauiliili as saying. "If the players challenge the other players, that's going to bring it out of us, and we want to start to focus and do all the little things right." "Cutcliffe: Team won't turn into the same old Duke" by the AP, SportingNews.com DUKE PRESS "Cutcliffe Quotes: October 21 Media Availability" by GoDuke.com During the team's Tuesday morning practice, senior co-captain Michael Tauiliili stood up and stated what he expected out of his fellow teammates, challenging them to raise their level of play. "Mike challenged our team, which is what a good player does," head coach David Cutcliffe said. "I don't mind any of them when they back it up challenging the team. He just challenged the team and what we have out in front of us and how we have to work. That one flat backs it up." "Tomko: Tauiliili Challenges Team During Morning Practice" by Michael Tomko, GoDuke.com Duke coach David Cutcliffe didn't like the lack of spark he sensed in the latter stages of Saturday's loss to Miami, but he saw some sparks fly Tuesday that he hopes will carry over to Saturday's game at Vanderbilt. When the team huddled at the end of practice, senior linebacker Michael Tauiliili had something to say. "Tauiliili appeals to Devils for effort" by Bryan Strickland, "The Herald-Sun" Three days after Duke suffered a home loss against Miami, Blue Devils senior linebacker Michael Tuailiili stood up in front of the team and laid down a challenge. With six games left in the season, and in his Duke career, time was short and any lack of effort would not be tolerated. "He challenged our team, which is what a good player does," Duke coach David Cutcliffe said. "He just stated what he expected everybody to be." "Duke aims to re-ignite fire" by Stephen Schramm, "Times-News" Hearing head coach David Cutcliffe rip Duke's effort after its 49-31 loss Saturday to Miami wasn't enough for senior linebacker Michael Tauiliili. With only six games left in his career, he wasn't about to see the old habits of succumbing to stronger opponents and giving up potential victories rear their ugly head, as they did when the Blue Devils gave up 35 straight second-half points. He wasn't about to be satisfied with just winning one more game this year than he did in his first three years at Duke. "Tauiliili challenges teammates" by Stephen Allan, "The Chronicle" Let's roll out every English major's favorite essay conceit: compare/contrast. Two years ago yesterday, Duke took Miami down to the final play, falling 20-15 when Thaddeus Lewis' pass from the Hurricanes 11-yard line was intercepted. After the game, then-head coach Ted Roof was proud of his squad's effort. "Nothing to compare" by Tim Britton, "The Chronicle" Tuesday, Oct. 21 Daily news articles about the Vanderbilt Football Program and its opponents. VANDERBILT PRESS Video, audio and quotes following Monday's press conference. "Coach Johnson discusses Duke game" by VUcommodores.com Quarterback Mackenzi Adams, wide receiver Jamie Graham, cornerback Myron Lewis and offensive tackle Thomas Welch met with the media Monday to talk about Saturday's homecoming game against Duke. "Quotes: Players on Duke matchup " by VUcommodores.com LOCAL PRESS Last season, Jamie Graham spent the season redshirting and learning the trade of being a defensive back in the SEC. Then during the offseason, Vanderbilt coaches saw a loaded defensive backfield and decided to put Graham to use as a wide receiver. That decision has started to pay off big-time. "VU's Graham turning heads at receiver" by Matt Wilson, "The City Paper" Vanderbilt students tend to be fairly proficient in math and history, and the members of the football team are no exception. The Commodores are well aware that this weekend's nonconference matchup with visiting Duke is the first of their last five chances to pick up their sixth victory -- a requirement if they're to reach their first bowl in 26 years. And with their final four games against foes with a combined record of 17-9, the Blue Devils arguably offer Vanderbilt's best opportunity to grab that elusive sixth win. "Vanderbilt hopes play equals wins" by Maurice Patton, "The Tennessean" NATIONAL PRESS For the record, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson says his Commodores can count. The Commodores dropped out of the Top 25 thanks to a second straight loss after spending a month in the rankings. The latest setback coming by a score of 24-14 that bumped Georgia up a spot to No. 9. That's now two straight games in which the Commodores (5-2) missed a chance at history and a sixth win that would end 25 consecutive losing seasons. "Coach: Dores know how to count, have taken math" by the AP, SportingNews.com Brett Upson, punter, Vanderbilt: Upson has quietly emerged as one of Vanderbilt's most effective weapons this season. He kept Georgia pinned in most of the game and had two punts downed inside the Bulldogs' 5-yard line. Upson averaged 44.6 yards on seven punts in the 24-14 loss to Georgia and leads the SEC in net punting (38.3 yards). "SEC Week 8 award winners" by Chris Low, ESPN.com DUKE PRESS Duke senior linebacker Michael Tauiliili has been named to the Midseason All-America second team by SI.com. A native of Houston, Texas, Tauiliili leads the ACC and ranks sixth nationally in tackles per game at 11.0 after recording 66 total stops through Duke's first six games of the year. He has paced the Blue Devils in tackles in all six contests, reaching double figures in four games. Tauiliili was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation following his 16-tackle performance in Duke's 31-3 victory over Virginia. "Tauiliili Named Midseason All-America By SI.com" by GoDuke.com As I sat in Wallace Wade Stadium Saturday afternoon and watched Duke turn a 10-point first-half lead into an 18-point final deficit against Miami, I knew I had to take this opportunity to right my wrongs, to discuss what is really true about the current state of Duke Football and what is actually needed to bring about that much-ballyhooed Dawn of a New Day. "Duke still toeing the line" by Meredith Shiner, "The Chronicle" Monday, Oct. 20 Daily news articles about the Vanderbilt Football Program and its opponents. LOCAL PRESS After two difficult losses at the hands of SEC foes, the Commodores are hoping to get things on the right track this week against Duke. Vanderbilt's players and coaches started looking ahead to the Blue Devils on Sunday, one day after taking a 24-14 loss at Georgia. "Vanderbilt starts preparations for Duke" by Matt Wilson, "The City Paper" Saturday's loss at Georgia cost Vanderbilt its Top 25 ranking, ending the program's first-ever four-week stay in the national polls. But the Commodores made a pretty important gain in the 24-14 Southeastern Conference defeat -- one they'll be looking to build on as they head into the latter portion of their schedule, beginning Saturday against visiting Duke. "One of the main points we brought out of Georgia was, the offense started to be a lot more hardnosed, a lot more physical," said redshirt junior Eric Hensley, who made his first career start at right guard. "Vanderbilt gets a boost from defeat" by Maurice Patton, "The Tennessean" NATIONAL PRESS VANDERBILT: Vanderbilt opened the season with five straight victories for the first time since 1943, and the club was a perfect 3-0 in SEC play. Unfortunately, the Commodores have come crashing back to Earth with back-to-back losses to Mississippi State and Georgia. The most recent setback to Georgia by a 24-14 final this past weekend left the team one win shy of bowl eligibility. Mackenzi Adams threw for 131 yards on 16-of-32 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jamie Graham caught both touchdowns and Jared Hawkins added 63 yards on the ground for the Commodores. They will step outside of conference this weekend to take on the Duke Blue Devils in Nashville. "Southeastern Conference News and Notes" by The Sports Network DUKE PRESS Early in the third quarter of Saturday's homecoming game against Miami, Duke had the Hurricanes right where they wanted them. From there, the Blue Devils dropped the ball -- literally and figuratively. Duke's ball-control approach to offense lost control when an epidemic of dropped passes derailed the plan, and the defense seemed to lose its ability to keep the ball away from Miami's pass catchers as a 24-14 lead evolved into a 49-31 loss. "Cutcliffe encouraged by Duke's ball-control offense, physical play" by Bryan Strickland, "The Herald Sun" Even after a disastrous third quarter in which Duke had a 10-point lead devolve into an 11-point deficit, the Blue Devils still had plenty of time to rally past Miami. But it will take more than one quarter for the program to overcome what Cutcliffe sensed as the final 15 minutes got underway. "You've got to believe you can win, and I don't believe that we thought we could win," Cutcliffe said. "I just sensed it. I could have just turned off the lights and gone in. The stadium was empty; this was with 15 minutes to go. "Duke Monday Morning Quarterback" by Bryan Strickland, "The Herald Sun" The Blue Devils let a golden opportunity for an upset slip through their hands Saturday, blowing a 10-point second-half lead in a 49-31 loss to Miami at Wallace Wade Stadium. Hurricanes' backup quarterback Jacory Harris threw for four touchdowns and ran for another as Miami outscored Duke 35-7 in the game's final 29 minutes. "Second-half storm" by Tim Britton, "The Chronicle" The Blue Devils had the Hurricanes right where they wanted them. After capitalizing on Adrian Aye-Darko's second pick of the day with Raphael Chestnut's touchdown grab just one minute into the third quarter, Duke had a 24-14 lead and was slowing the Miami attack. But then the Blue Devils dropped the ball. Sloppy play from Duke's receiving corps, especially and most surprisingly from star wideout Eron Riley, prevented the offense from ever picking up steam in the second half. "With 24-14 lead, Duke drops the ball" by David Ungvary, "The Chronicle" |
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