The Coaching Legacy of Gus Malzahn: Vandy's Rise to Greatness

[TomahawkChop10]

Vanderbilt Looks to Build Off Successful 2011 Season

Nasvhille, TN -- Success and football aren't two words many put together when talking about Vanderbilt football. However, after just one season at Vanderbilt, coach Gus Malzahn appears to have his team headed in the right direction. Vanderbilt is coming off a season in which they finished 9-4 and Capital One Bowl win in thrilling fashion over Penn State. Vanderbilt's 2011 season was highlighted by an **** upset of then #1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

"That game is something last years seniors will be able to hang their hats on for a very long time. Alabama lost one game last year and those kids are responsible. I couldn't be happier for what they accomplished." Commented coach Malzahn

Vanderbilt did lose 10 starters, five on each side of the ball, and will have to replace All-SEC dual threat quarterback Larry Smith. The starter for the 2012 season will be 5th year senior Jordan Rodgers. Rodgers, 6'2" 211, is from Oroville, California. He transferred from Butte Community College, and will get his first taste of big time college football this year.

"I know every week I'm going to be facing the toughest defenses in the country. It's going to be tough but I feel like I'm prepared and ready to lead. I know I'll be nervous at first but that's normal. I'm just ready to get out on the field and play!"

The returners on offense are highlighted by Warren Norman, a 5'10" 200 pound running back with great speed and agility. Norman rushed for 1,100 yards last year and will be the focal point of Vanderbilt's offense this year.

Leading the way among the returning defensive starters are defensive tackle Rob Lohr. The 6'4" 293 pound senior recorded 9.5 sacks a year ago and will be the anchor of the Commodore defense. A pair of senior cornerbacks, Eddie Foster and Trey Wilson, return to bolster an experienced Vanderbilt secondary. Transfer A.J. Bouye, a 6'0" 183 pound free safety, will start and look to leave his mark on the field for the Commodores.

"I came here from Central Florida to showcase my skills in the best football conference in the nation. It's no secret the SEC is better than everyone else and I feel like if I can standout in this conference, I can playat the next level. No problem."


Vanderbilt did have a pair of players, one on each side of the ball, receive some preseason All-American recognition. Defensive tackle Rob Lohr was named to the preseason All-American 1st team, and sophomore wide receiver Jordan Matthews to the 2nd team.


Vanderbilt Preseason All-Conference/All-America
WR Jordan Matthews, 6'3" 199, SO(RS): 2nd team All-American, 1st team All-SEC

DT Rob Lohr, 6'4" 293, SR(RS): 1st team All-American, 1st team All-SEC

HB Warren Norman, 5'10" 200, SR: 2nd team All-SEC

WR Jonathan Krause, 5'11" 172, JR: 2nd team All-SEC

CB Trey Wilson, 6'0" 187, SR: 2nd team All-SEC

CB Eddie Foster, 5'10" 176, SR: 2nd team All-SEC

Preseason Top 25

Preseason Top 25 - Coaches' Poll
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	--	Alabama (35)
2	--	Oklahoma (23)
3	--	Miami (2)
4	--	Clemson (1)
5	--	LSU
6	--	Southern California
7	--	Wisconsin
8	--	Notre Dame
9	--	Florida State
10	--	Georgia
11	--	Texas
12	--	Boise State
13	--	Florida
14	--	Iowa
15	--	Michigan
16	--	West Virginia
17	--	Cincinnati
18	--	Virginia Tech
19	--	Oregon
20	--	Stanford
21	--	Penn State
22	--	South Carolina
23	--	Utah
24	--	Texas A&M
25	--	Texas

SEC Outlook

2012 SEC East Predictions
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
(10) Georgia
(13) Florida
(22) South Carolina
(27) Vanderbilt
(42) Tennessee
(58) Kentucky

2012 SEC West Predictions
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
(1) Alabama
(5) LSU
(28) Mississippi State
(35) Auburn
(44) Arkansas
(79) Ole Miss

2012 Heisman Watch

Heisman Watch - Updated: Aug 20, 2012
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
LaMichael James	HB	Oregon
Garrett Gilbert	QB	Texas
Jordan Wynn	QB	Utah
Darron Thomas	QB	Oregon
Alshon Jeffery	WR	South Carolina

Toughest Places to Play

1.) Gaylord-Oklahoma Memorial, Oklahoma
Average Attendance: 85,953
Home Record: 405-89-19
Home Win Streak: W43

2.) Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama
Average Attendance: 96,495
Home Record: 506-126-24
Home Win Streak: W2

3.) "The Grand Old Lady", Southern California
Average Attendance: 97,520
Home Record: 436-131-24
Home Win Streak: W13

4.) "The Horseshoe", Ohio State
Average Attendance: 103,760
Home Record: 448-120-23
Home Win Streak: W1

5.) "Happy Valley", Penn State
Average Attendance: 111,940
Home Record: 480-99-12
Home Win Streak: L1

6.) "The Big House", Michigan
Average Attendance: 110,966
Home Record: 577-138-20
Home Win Streak: W5

7.) "The Swamp", Florida
Average Attendacne: 92,135
Home Record: 394-137-19
Home Win Streak: W3

8.) "Death Valley", LSU
Average Attendance: 96,171
Home Record: 454-169-21
Home Win Streak: W1

9.) DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Texas
Average Attendance: 98,433
Home Record: 476-115-14
Home Win Streak: L1

10.) "The Autzen Zoo", Oregon
Average Attendance: 56,283
Home Record: 298-165-18
Home Win Streak: W2

11.) "The Blue", Boise State
Average Attendance: 33,568
Home Record: 90-15-0
Home Win Streak: L1

12.) Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin
Average Attendance: 83,925
Home Record: 420-206-30
Home Win Streak: W3

13.) Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech
Average Attendance: 69,341
Home Record: 368-112-18
Home Win Streak: W3


14.) "The Jungle", Auburn
Average Attendance: 90,157
Home Record: 406-135-17
Home Win Streak: L1

15.) Notre Dame Stadium
Average Attendance: 83,504
Home Record: 407-110-9
Home Win Streak: W3

16.) Kinnick Stadium, Iowa
Average Attendance: 73,685
Home Record: 359-197-16
Home Win Streak: W4

17.) Neyland Stadium, Tennessee
Average Attendance: 105,115
Home Record: 498-131-24
Home Win Streak: W1

18.) "Between the Hedges", Georgia
Average Attendance: 95,462
Home Record: 386-138-19
Home Win Streak: W1

19.) "The Sea of Red", Nebraska
Average Attendance: 89,163
Home Record: 500-136-20
Home Win Streak: L2

20.) Milan Puskar Stadium, West Virginia
Average Attenedance: 62,613
Home Record: 353-140-25
Home Win Streak: L1

21.) "Death Valley", Clemson
Average Attendance: 83,810
Home Record: 342-129-17
Home Win Streak: W3

22.) Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State
Average Attendance: 85,918
Home Record: 255-79-4
Home Win Streak: W1

23.) Miami Stadium, Miami (FL)
Average Attendance: 79,306
Home Record: 346-151-8
Home Win Streak: W8

24.) Husky Stadium, Washington
Average Attendance: 72,528
Home Record: 367-173-22
Home Win Streak: W2

25.) "The 12th Man", Texas A&M
Average Attendance: 85,940
Home Record: 404-158-20
Home Win Streak: W1

2012 Depth Chart

Vanderbilt Commodores Depth Chart - 2012
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	SR John Cole (93)	JR Jonathan Krause (81)
TE	JR MasonJohnson (73)	FR Van Greene (66)
LT	JR Mylon Brown (84)	JR Wesley Johnson (82)
LG	SR Jabo Burrow (82)	JR Justin Cabbagestalk (78)
C	SO Caleb Welchans (83)	SO Logan Stewart (78)
RG	SO James Kittredge (83)	SO Chase White (73)
RT	SR Ryan Seymour (85)	SR Ross Newell (69)
WR	SO Jordan Matthews (83)	SR Akeem Dunham (81)
QB	SR Jordan Rodgers (81)	JR Charlie Goro (76)
FB	FR Tony Wallace (69)
HB	SR Warren Norman (97)	JR Wesley Tate (80)
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	SR Johnell Thomas (77)	FR Brad Swain (65)
LDT	SR Rob Lohr (83)	FR James Kirby (67)
RDT	SR Colt Nichter (76)	SO Vince Taylor (73)
RDE	JR Walker May (77)	SO Thomas Ryan (77)
WLB	SR Archibald Barnes (82)	SR Dexter Daniels (76)
MLB	JR Kenny Ladler (JR)	SO Chase Garnham (75)
SLB	SR DeAndre Jones (76)	SR Micah Powell (74)
CB	SR Eddie Foster (84)	FR Marcus Bates (68)
SS	SO Steven Clarke (80)	SO Andre Simmons (77)
FS	JR A.J. Bouye (84)	JR Kenny Ladler (75(
CB	SR Trey Wilson (80)	JR Eric Samuels (77)
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	SR Ryan Fowler (91)
P	SR Richard Kent (89)
H	JR Charlie Goro
PR	SR Warren Norman (99)	SR John Cole (99)
KR	SR Warren Norman (99)	SR John Cole (99)
LS	SR Ryan Seymour (85)	JR Mylon Brown (84)

2012 Schedule

8/25 at 20 Stanford, 4:30 PM

9/1 vs 8 Notre Dame, 12:30 PM

9/8 at Kentucky, 3:30 PM

9/15 vs 18 Virginia Tech, 2:00 PM

9/22 vs 22 South Carolina, 8:00 PM

9/29 at Georgia Tech, 6:00 PM

10/6 at Auburn, 6:00 PM

BYE

10/20 at Ole Miss, 12:30 PM

10/27 vs 1 Alabama, 6:00 PM

11/3 vs 13 Florida, 8:00 PM

11/10 at 10 Georgia, 12:30 PM

11/17 vs Tennessee, 8:00 PM

[TomahawkChop10]

Vanderbilt Holds on in Stanford for Upset Win Over 20th Ranked Cardinal



Warren Norman celebrates a third quarter touchdown game that tied the game 24-24

Palo Ato, CA (AP) -- Vanderbilt, coming off their most successful season in a very long time, came into their season opener looking to make a statement. The Commodores were on the road to face the 20th ranked Stanford Cardinal between two schools know as much for their smarts as their athletics. Stanford would appear to be in control in the first half, never trailing, and leading 21-17 at the break. Vanderbilt would fight back and take a 34-24 lead late in the fourth quarter. A 55 yard touchdown pass by the Cardinal, though, made it a 34-31 lead with just under 2:00 remaining. Unfortunately for Stanford, Vanderbilt would convert two first downs and run the clock out to hold on for the narrow victory.

Jordan Rodgers hits Mason Johnston for a 25 yard touchdown in the second quarter to tie the game 14-14







Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor leaps over a defender for a TD



Stanford's Ed Reynolds intercepts a pass in the 3rd quarter








Jordan Matthews makes a catch and runs it in for a 12 yard touchdown in the first quarter




Jordan Rodgers hits Jonathan Krause for a 7 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter to give Vanderbilt their first lead, 31-24






Andrew Luck hits Jamal-Rashard Patterson for a 55 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter to make it a 34-31 game

Vanderbilt (0-0) at Stanford (0-0)
Aug 25, 2012 1 2 3 4 F Vanderbilt 7 10 7 10 34 #20 Stanford 7 14 3 7 31 Top Performers Vanderbilt J. Rodgers: 24/36, 381 yds, 3 TD S. Clarke: 7 tkl, 4 tfl Stanford S. Taylor: 21 car, 101 yds, 4.8 ypc, 3 TD S. Skov: 13 tkl, 5 tfl,	Team Stats Comparison VAND STAN First Downs 21 14 3rd Down Efficiency 5-10 6-11 4th Down Efficiency 1-2 1-1 Total Yards 459 307 Passing Yards 381 206 Rushing Yards 78 101 Penalties-Penalty Yards 1-15 1-15 Turnovers 1 0 Time of Possession 15:59 12:01
Scoring Summary FIRST QUARTER SCORING VAND STAN 3:54 (STAN) TD Stan: S. Taylor, 1 yd run (J. Lemon kick) 0 7 2:07 (VAND) TD Vandy: J. Matthews, 12 yd pass from J. Rodgers (R. Fowler kick) 7 7 SECOND QUARTER SCORING VAND STAN 6:32 (STAN) TD Stan: S. taylor, 9 yd run (J. Lemon kick) 7 14 4:36 (VAND) TD Vandy: M. Johnston, 25 yd pass from J. Rodgers (R. Fowler kick) 14 14 0:52 (STAN) TD Stan: S. Taylor, 1 yd run (J. Lemon kick) 14 21 0:00 (VAND) FG Vandy: R. Fowler, 26 yd FG 17 21 THIRD QUARTER SCORING VAND STAN 4:06 (STAN) FG Stan: J. Lemon, 30 yd FG 17 24 2:57 (VAND) TD Vandy: W. Norman, 1 yd run (R. Fowler kick) 24 24 FOURTH QUARTER SCORING VAND STAN 5:59 (VAND) TD Vandy: J. Krause, 7 yd pass from J. Rodgers (R. Fowler kick) 31 24 2:56 (VAND) FG Vandy: R. Fowler, 46 yd FG 34 24 1:58 (STAN) TD Stan: J. Patterson, 55 YD pass from A. Luck (J. Lemon kick) 34 31
Vanderbilt PASSING C/ATT YDS TD INT J. Rodgers 24/36 381 3 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD W. Norman 18 51 2.8 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD A. Dunham 8 140 17.5 0 J. Krause 5 85 17.0 1 J. Matthews 4 54 13.5 1 M. Johnston 4 70 17.5 1 W. Norman 2 20 10.0 0 Stanford PASSING C/ATT YDS TD INT A. Luck 14/23 206 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD S. Taylor 21 101 4.8 3 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD S. Taylor 2 35 17.5 0 R. Hewitt 2 25 12.5 0 J. Roberts 2 26 13.0 0 J. Patterson 2 70 35.0 1 D. Terrell 2 29 14.5 0

Top 25 Games (Week 1)
5 LSU 24 - North Texas 21
8 Notre Dame 21 - Purdue 28
11 Texas 31 - Wyoming 0
13 Florida 44 - FCS SE 0
17 Cincinnati 38 - San Diego State 35
19 Oregon 52 - Kansas State 27
20 Stanford 31 - Vanderbilt 34
21 Penn State 28 - Ohio 0
22 South Carolina 13 - East Carolina 20
23 Utah 28 - Washington State 23
24 Texas A&M 56 - FCS W 3



National Players of the Week (Week 1)
HB Rodney Scott, Ole Miss: 30 car, 150 yds, 135 rec yds, 3 total TD
OLB Cortez Bowen, Southern Miss: 17 tkl, 3 tfl, sack


SEC Players of the Week (Week 1)
HB Rodney Scott, Ole Miss: 30 car, 150 yds, 135 rec yds, 3 total TD
FS Brishen Matthews, Ole Miss: 3 tkl, FF, FR, INT

[mm boost]

congrats on the big win to start the season over Standford. That should set the tone for a big season. Can't wait to see how this year shapes up. BTW, the way you run around the pocket after the ball is hiked is hysterical lol. I don't know how you pass like that, I'd throw an interception every drive lol. I always stay in the pocket until I am forced out of it or if I feel pressure, or decide its time to scramble.

BTW, you remember how your win was against Bama? Go read the first game of my 2014 season that I just posted against #4 Texas... omg talking ep!c...geez.

[TomahawkChop10]

Quote: Originally Posted by mm boost

congrats on the big win to start the season over Standford. That should set the tone for a big season. Can't wait to see how this year shapes up. BTW, the way you run around the pocket after the ball is hiked is hysterical lol. I don't know how you pass like that, I'd throw an interception every drive lol. I always stay in the pocket until I am forced out of it or if I feel pressure, or decide its time to scramble. BTW, you remember how your win was against Bama? Go read the first game of my 2014 season that I just posted against #4 Texas... omg talking ep!c...geez.

Running out of the pocket is basically a bad habit I have, and believe me, I throw my share of INT's because of it. But with this dynasty I rarely get hardly anytime in the pocket before it collapses. And a lot of times I roll out to get a better angle on the pass.

I'll check your thread out now.

[mm boost]

okay that explains it, I was curious as to why you do that - and honestly back in the older NCAA's, I used to do the same thing and wondered why I threw 20 ints a season. I now try to relax more in the pocket and have 2 primary reads, and a backup read. If none are open, hello scramble city!!!! Now I throw anywhere from 7 to 10 ints a season, much more reasonable and realistic.

How is this qb's accuracy and power rating that you are using? And do you use the joystick to manually lead the pass, or do you just press the button and let it go where its going to go? I can place the ball anywhere on the field you ask me to, I've become dominate with the passing mechanism on this game. It's all about open receivers and getting hit that causes my troubles.

[TomahawkChop10]

Quote: Originally Posted by mm boost

okay that explains it, I was curious as to why you do that - and honestly back in the older NCAA's, I used to do the same thing and wondered why I threw 20 ints a season. I now try to relax more in the pocket and have 2 primary reads, and a backup read. If none are open, hello scramble city!!!! Now I throw anywhere from 7 to 10 ints a season, much more reasonable and realistic. How is this qb's accuracy and power rating that you are using? And do you use the joystick to manually lead the pass, or do you just press the button and let it go where its going to go? I can place the ball anywhere on the field you ask me to, I've become dominate with the passing mechanism on this game. It's all about open receivers and getting hit that causes my troubles.

I don't remember his accuracy or power ratings off the top of my head. I think his accuracy is in the high 70's and power is in the mid 80's.

And I'm not aware of the joystick passing or whatever? Care to explain? I'd love any and all pointers to cut down on INT's and help my passing game.

[gorillapittpray]

Quote: Originally Posted by mm boost

HELL YEA, congrats on the big bowl win. I bet that was a fun game. I wished I had more games that went into over time and yes, I know what you mean. I feel like the players kinda take on your personality, even though its just a video game, it has that authentic feel, just like in real life. It makes it more enjoyable.

lol so true, thats why I miss Leonard Sims so damn much lol im 9-1 but the wins arent the same as they were without him, he guided us to some great wins and he was my first ever true freshmen at qb. But as far as taking on your personality ima have to say i feel that way about my defense!!!
BTW nice lil dynasty you have going

[gorillapittpray]

I just went through your dynasty, easily one of the best reads on here. Out of Marshall, and MM Boost Va. Tech you guys have some good articles, whats your sliders? Your games sound just like mine when I first started with UL Monroe 10 seasons ago lol looks like your building a winner keep it up!!!