Vanderbilt football sees reputation changing
With their undefeated start, a Top 25 ranking and their third ESPN appearance of the season approaching, the Vanderbilt Commodores have worked their way into the national college football spotlight.
An article in the current issue of Sports Illustrated is just the latest example that Vanderbilt may be shaking off a long-held and hard-earned reputation as one of the worst programs in the country.
“That’s slowly beginning to change,” said Lars Anderson, a college football writer for Sports Illustrated. “It looks as if they’re ready to turn the corner. I think it would be an upset if they didn’t win six games and make it into a bowl.
“The fact that they’ve cracked the Top 25 shows they’re finally getting respect around the country.”
Last weekend’s win at Ole Miss boosted the Commodores to 4-0 overall (2-0 Southeastern Conference) and pushed them to No. 21 in the Associated Press poll, after they were at the top of the “others receiving votes” list the previous week. Following an off week, Vanderbilt will face visiting No. 15 Auburn with a chance to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1943.
tennessean.com
9/23/08
