Vandy hopes history repeats against Vols

Posted 6:11PM on Monday 13th November 2006 ( 18 years ago )

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For Vanderbilt, history has a bad way of repeating itself. In 2005, the Commodores played Kentucky needing a victory to remain bowl-eligible. In that game, Vandy had a school-record five-touchdown performance from receiver Earl Bennett, outgained Kentucky by a significant margin, yet lost through turnovers and poor special teams play. Last Saturday, the Commodores (4-7, 1-6 Southeastern Conference) were led by Bennett's 220 receiving yards just 2 shy of Clarence Sevillian's single-game record. But they squandered 621 yards of total offense in losing 38-26 at Kentucky. Two of four turnovers came inside the Kentucky 5, two missed field goals and an extra point and a fumbled punt in Commodores territory played a huge part in the loss. And the loss denied Vandy a shot at a bowl game. Vandy coach Bobby Johnson called it a disappointing loss Monday. ``We had several opportunities to take charge of the game, and just didn't get that done. You've got to take advantage of every chance you get, and you've got to give credit to Kentucky,'' Johnson said. Now the Commodores are left hoping some of last year's history repeats itself against instate rival Tennessee (7-3, 3-3). Vanderbilt snapped a 22-game losing streak against the Vols with a 28-24 win in Knoxville last season. ``We're making it our bowl game,'' fifth-year senior offensive lineman Mac Pyle said. ``It's a chance to play a Top 25 opponent. That's basically what you're going to get in a bowl game, anyway.'' Last year, the Commodores won with Southeastern Conference player of the year Jay Cutler and Bennett. Cutler threw for 315 yards, including 167 to Bennett. Cutler's last throw went for a game-winning touchdown to Bennett with 1:11 remaining. This year, Bennett leads the nation with 1,130 yards receiving, and he is catching passes from Chris Nickson, whose statistics are beginning to resemble Cutler's. In the last three games, he's thrown for 994 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 236 yards and five more TDs. Meanwhile, the Commodores wonder whether Vols coach Phillip Fulmer will start Erik Ainge or Jonathan Crompton under center. ``I think coach (Phil) Fulmer's going to call me at 12:30 and tell me (who's starting at quarterback),'' cracked Johnson. ``They've got two of them, and we've got to prepare for two of them.'' Brentwood native and fifth-year senior Ben Koger, who may play Saturday for the first time in weeks, said the game has meaning for both programs. ``I think (another Vanderbilt win) would go a long way in building this program. It makes statements about how far we've come,'' said Koger. ``Growing up around here, it's always been a big game more so for Vanderbilt fans than for Tennessee fans, but I think that's starting to change. Obviously after last year, there's going to be a lot of people who want Tennessee to make a statement against us.''

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/11/100270