Duke plays host to Vanderbilt when 'SAT Bowl' series resumes

DURHAM, N.C. - There are plenty of similarities between Vanderbilt and Duke. Both schools have strong academic reputations and long-suffering football programs.<br> <br> Here&#39;s the big difference: The Commodores have won a big game this season. Duke has only come close.<br> <br> ``We want to win over whoever we are playing this week, whether they have won eight games right now or no games,&#39;&#39; Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. ``It is our motivation to win, not theirs to lose. I don&#39;t think it is that hard.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The Commodores (3-5) two weeks ago upset then-No. 16 Georgia for the biggest road victory in program history. Duke (0-7) nearly pulled an upset of its own last week against Miami but its last-second pass toward the end zone was intercepted to preserve a 20-15 Hurricanes&#39; win.<br> <br> ``We&#39;ve got to find a way to dial that back up and build on that. I said it after the game this team can still be a good football team,&#39;&#39; Blue Devils coach Ted Roof said. ``We&#39;ve showed it for periods of games, even most of some games, but we need to play a complete ball game like that.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Vanderbilt is looking for its sixth straight win against the Blue Devils, and needs three wins in its final four games to qualify for its first bowl game since 1982. Duke, meanwhile, is guaranteed to be home for the holidays once again.<br> <br> The Commodores lead the series 6-3 after winning five straight in what once was nicknamed the ``SAT Bowl.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> ``I think it is pretty good when you can play I-A football and you can go to schools like Duke and Vanderbilt. I think that is the ideal situation,&#39;&#39; Johnson said.<br> <br> The Commodores come in with redshirt sophomore Chris Nickson at quarterback to replace graduated star Jay Cutler, who&#39;s now with the Denver Broncos. Nickson ranks seventh in the Southeastern Conference with an average of 176 yards.<br> <br> Duke has given the reins of its offense to freshman Thad Lewis, who passes for an average of 171 yards, and that&#39;s partially because of an offensive line that Roof says has improved with each week.<br> <br> ``Those guys, from a protection standpoint, they&#39;ve all got to be on the same page, and that only comes with experience,&#39;&#39; Roof said. ``They&#39;re gaining that and they&#39;re getting better. Are we where we want to be? Nope. But we&#39;re getting better, and I can see the improvement.&#39;&#39;