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Game 8 VANDERBILT 7 p.m., Oct. 20 Columbia, S.C. VANDERBILT The Gamecock rates the opposition... Passing: # # # Rushing: # Pass Defense: # £ Run Defense: § § Overall: # # 2001 projected record: 5-6 Nickname: Commodores Head Coach: Wo™' wiaennoter (5th year) 2000 Record: 34(u^^K) 2000 vs. USC: Lost 30-14 in Nashville BY KYLE ALMOND THE GAMECOCK Vanderbilt was supposed to make some waves last season with its best team in years, but instead it was just more of the same. The Commodores regressed in 2000, finishing 3-8 and winning only one SEC game, and after four straight losing seasons as head coach, Woody Widenhofer is feeling the heat. “This is my fifth year at Vanderbilt as a head coach,” Widenhofer said. “This will be all my players. It’s time to win, and it’s time to see what kind of job we’ve done recruiting the last four or five years.” Another losing season, and Widenhofer could find himself un employed. Vandy has had 17 straight los ing seasons, and over the last six seasons, it’s only won 17 games. The last time the Commodores were bowl-eligible? 1982. It’s going to take something re ally special to change Vandy’s los ing ways, but quarterback Greg Zolman is optimistic. “I think six wins or more is achievable by this team,” Zolman said. “We have a lot of returning players and great depth. We are looking for great things this sea son.” Offense Zolman, a fifth-year senior, is the unquestioned leader of this unit and always gives a gutsy effort. But he couldn’t lead the team to any more than 55 points last season. The team lacked a consistent running threat last season but could have the answer in sophomore Ray Perkins. Perkins averaged almost five yards a carry m 2000. Dan Strieker is one of the best receivers in the conference. He caught 61 passes last year despite al ways seeing double coverage. If an other receiver can step up, Strieker could improve on that total. Defense Widenhofer came to Vanderbilt with a strong reputation as a defen sive coordinator. However, his de fense struggled last year, finishing 57th in the nation in points allowed. 1-f— ~——__——— — —- SUnnSHK...——_™ _ Greg Zolman is a fifth-year senior trying to give Vandy its first winning season in 18 years, special to the gamecock This season, Widenhofer will as sume defensive responsibilities as coordinator, and Vandy fans are hoping that will shore things up. Senior Nate Morrow leads the linebacking corps, which keys the Commodores’ 3-4 scheme. The sec ondary returns three starters, but questions along the defensive line could hinder Vandy’s effectiveness. The Commodores were 80th in the nation last year against the run. Outlook Despite a weak non-conference schedule (Middle Tennessee State, I-AA Richmond), things look I'Mm once again for the Commodores. The SEC East is stacked, and Vandy has yet to show they can win on a consistent basis. Widenhofer might want to start checking out the clas sifieds. DOMINO'S PIZZA 1124 Devine Street sSm 256-8151 'r ns*. ESI. • Lunch • Dinner • Late Night • Oidvt OkUkc: www.dominosusc.com • .. . 'V. . , , : ■ ■ .5 V.v ’Bama Franchione on a mission to turn around Tide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 in the SEC, Franchione has yet to pick a starter. Last season, Andrew Zow split time with Tyler Watts. Zow is the stronger passer of the two, while Watts is a strong runner. It appears the two will rotate again this sea son. Junior Ahmaad Galloway returns to lead the rushing attack. Last season, Galloway tallied 659 yards and seven touch downs. Senior Freddie Milons will be look ing to return to his freshman form. Milons caught 65 passes as a freshman, but only 32 last year. Defense The Tide has a strong line and quality linebackers. Senior linebacker Victor Ellis, who posted 94 tackles last season, including 64 solo, will head up the defense. Joining him will be junior tackle Jarret Johnson, who led the team with seven sacks last year. The secondary remains a question mark, however, as they must replace three starters from last year’s squad. Outlook Unlike last year, there probably won’t be talk of a national title in Tuscaloosa. However, ‘Bama does have every reason to believe it can make a bowl game. With a fair ly strong offense and a defense with promise, Franchione feels his team is ready to turn things around. “ They don’t want to go through a season like last year,” Franchione said. “They want to be successful and get Alabama football back where it has been.” Petty For Heisman!