University of South Carolina Libraries
GAME 1, Commodores boast strong returning class use at Vanderbilt 7 p.m. Saturday Vanderbilt Stadium TV: none By JOEY WALLACE THE GAMECOCK The Vanderbilt Commodores enter their third season under head coach Bobby Johnson with high expectations. Johnson, a South Carolina native who signed on as head coach at Vandy after guiding the Furman Paladins to the NCAA I-AA national championship game, appears to be on the verge of turning this program around. After back-to-back 2-10 seasons, Johnson returns all but one starter from the conclusion of 2003, as well as 27 players who started at least four games last year for the Commodores. Vanderbilt’s play improved considerably toward the end of 2003, culminating in Johnson’s first win against an SEC school during his tenure at Vandy, a 28-17 victory against Kentucky. Leading the ’Dores this season is Preseason All-SEC selection ' quarterback Jay Cutler. The veteran play caller will have tons of young talent surrounding him on offense as well as an experienced defense to make for an all-around balanced team. The Commodores have a rough schedule to start the season, with their first two games against SEC opponents, forsaking the traditional tuneup against a non conference opponent. The ’Dores welcome USC to Nashville in a game that will set the tone for the season for both teams. Vanderbilt will face the Manning-less Ole Miss Rebels in week two, traveling to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for its first road contest. The Commodores gave Ole Miss all they could handle in last year’s opener before succumbing to eventual overall No. 1 draft choice Eli Manning. Without their all-everything quarterback, it appears the Rebels will have their hands full once again this year against Vanderbilt, which also has the advantage of a two-week layoff before the contest. The Commodores catch a break in their schedule after their run-in with the Rebels, as they travel to Annapolis to take on Navy before welcoming Mississippi State to Nashville. Vanderbilt will be hoping to avenge last year’s loss to the Bulldogs in Starkville as Miss. State is looking to turn things around under first-year head coach Sylvester Croom. Vandy will continue its home stand against non conference lightweight Rutgers. If things go awry for the ’Dores in their first two games, this three-game stretch could be just the ponfidence-booster they need before facing the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 16. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 27-8 last year in Nashville en route to its SEC East Championship. If the Commodores hope to challenge for the title this year, the Georgia game could be a big factor in determining who gets to play in Atlanta in December. In its final non-conference game of the year, Vanderbilt will host Eastern Kentucky. The contest comes at a good time for the ’Dores, as the game is sandwiched between Georgia and defending national champion LSU. Vandy will travel to face the Bayou Bengals at home, and Jay Cutler and the Commodore receivers will have their hands full against a Tiger secondary that probably could have been playing on Sundays this year. The Commodores get Florida at home this year before going on the road to try to make it two in a row against the Kentucky Wildcats. Finally, in a game that could have Vandy’s bowl aspirations riding on it, the Commodores face in state rival Tennessee. The Volunteers absolutely destroyed Vandy last year, shutting out the ’Dores 48-0 in front of more than 100,000 orange-clad fans. E3a FOOTBALL B Student Ticket Distribution Student Distribution Schedule^______--—i Georgia Aug. 31 l iB Students must have your I.D. Card with \ I- you to get into the Stadium with a Sept. 1, 7, 8, 9 \ j “ Student Ticket. South Florida Sept. 7, 8,9,13,14,15 \ L \ - For complete information about student Troy State Sept. 13,14,15, 20, 21, 22 \ j tickets, pick up a copy of the Student Ole Miss. Sept. 20,21,22 \| Football Information Book at the Russell ur House lobby information desk. Oct. 4. 5. 6 fJk Tennessee Oct. 4,5,6,25,26,27 s,udent Ticke,s wi" be distributed at the Russell House, room 205 9am - 4pm Arkansas Oct. 25,26,27 Nov. 1,2,3 Students are not guaranteed a student ticket to each game, only Clemson Lottery Oct. 4,5,6 tha riflht to 8 tlcket 88 lo"8 88 s,udent tlckats are ava"able Handicapped or disabled students can get assistance by calling 777-6742.