Don’t Do It To Me Vandy!
Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, I have always been a fan of Vanderbilt athletics. I know that for many of you living outisde the middle Tennessee area, the idea of an actual Vandy sports fans is a myth. Believe it or not, I was actually a season ticket holder for three sports up until I left town to attend college.
Like myself, all Vanderbilt fans have certainly experienced many tough times over the past quarter century, especially on the football field. I, for one, am two years removed from graduating college, and have still yet to, in my life, witness the football team record a winning season (the last occurring in 1982).
However, 2008 looked like it was going to be the year. After a fast 3-0 start, which included a 24-17 win over SEC rival South Carolina, the Dores were able to pick up a big road win over Ole Miss. That victory vaulted the Commodores into the Top 25, and set up what became known as the biggest game in program history against nationally ranked Auburn. This matchup also featured an unexpected guest, as ESPN’s College Gameday made its first appearance to the Music City.
Vanderbilt had played some big games in recent years, but unfortunately it seemed as though the bigger the situation, the worse their performance was. I had become very hesitant to get too excited about these type of games, because the outcome had so often caused tremendous dissapointment and questioning of my allegience.
So there I was, along with many of the college football fans across the country, watching Vandy play the game I dreamed about. The breaks that used to go against them, were going in their favor. The mistakes they used to make were being made against them.
Cornerback Myron Lewis's late INT sealed the win over Auburn. (Photo: Joe Howell)
As the seconds ticked away, I watched in disbelief, recalling all those days where I walked out of Dudley Field with my head down thinking this team might never win.
That night, watching the fans rush the field and seeing all the attention the new ”hot story” in college football was receiving, I felt repaid for all those bad times.
At 5-0, I commited the cardinal sin for a Vandy fan…I assumed they would win. With 7 games left and needing just one more win to become bowl eligible, I figured it was in the bag. This was going to be the year.
Four straight losses later, including a devestating loss to a sub-par Duke team, Vandy only has 3 more chances to get that illusive 6th win.
The Dores remaining schedule includes a trio of games that could realistically be that illusive victory. This weekend, they travel to Lexington to take on a talented, but inconsistent Kentucky squad. Playing on the road makes this a difficult matchup.
I think their best chance will be the next week as they will host a struggling Tennessee team, which features a lame duck head coach. Vanderbilt will end the season on the road taking on Wake Forest, who embarrassed the Commodores in last year’s season finale.
Could this be the year the streak finally ends? I sure hope so. I have had some tough times as a Vandy fan, but to be this close and not make it to the promised land would be a new low. I know that Vandy fans would love nothing more than to spend a late December afternoon watching the Commodores play in the Music City Bowl.
Is that too much to ask?
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November 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
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