Friday Update

Just checking in for a quick update.

The 'Dores travel to Lexington this week to take on the 'kitties. I really don't see us winning this game, but stranger things have happened. At this point I'm really wondering why Jared Funk or Larry Smith isn't getting some pt. I understand that we're still very capable of winning any of our last three games and becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since I've been alive, but I really don't feel like we're giving up that much by benching Mac or Chris.

It is my understanding that Funk has the best arm of any of the quarterbacks, and is now in his third year in the program. Larry Smith was a legit play-maker in high school at Prattville (AL) and red-shirted last year. You have to think at this point either these guys aren't "SEC-caliber", or BoJo is sticking with the upperclassmen to cover his ass after the much-ballyhooed QB battle in fall practice. I can't imagine J. Funk airing it out for 300 yards in his first appearance this late in the season would do anything to help Johnson or Cain's stock among those fed up with the offensive ineptitude that has defined the post-Cutler years.


In other news,

Despite a slow start and running only the base offense the Commodores cruised to an impressive win over Alabama-Huntsville. A.J. looked like a man, but considering UAH's tallest player was somewhere around 6'9" I wouldn't have expected anything less. The Thunder from Down Under looked bigger, stronger, and faster than last year and has clearly worked to further improve his post moves. I saw him go to a baby-hook several times that brought a tear to my eye. I can just imagine Wayne "What a Chump" Chism spiking his stupid headband in frustration after A.J. drops 35 on him in January.

The key to the season will be the play of Jermaine Beal. After leading the conference in assist/turnover ratio last season (3:1) Beal was snubbed by the media when they handed out pre-season accolades. As one of two upperclassmen on the team Beal has his work cut out for him as a leader both on and off the court. While Beal has demonstrated at times a serious ability to get to the basket and hit jump-shots, his main charge will be getting the ball to A.J. down low or freshmen Jeff Taylor and Steve Tchiengang on the wings. Both of these guys seriously impressed me on Sunday, and I only look for their roles in the offense to grow as the season continues. Tchiengang is clearly at home with the ball around the basket, but his range extends beyond the three-point line. His imposing frame and versatility make him a nightmare for opposing defenders trying to stop him. Taylor is the silky smooth all-around shooting guard Vanderbilt fans have been pining for. Equally talented shooting jump shots or slashing to the basket Taylor figures to be a scoring machine for the 'Dores.

Vanderbilt will take on Morehead State on Sunday at Memorial Gym at 4 p.m.


As Always,

Go 'Dores!