Before we get started, Mr. C is a participant in the Capital One Video Challenge. Enjoy this video of the 16 mascots and make sure to vote for Mr. C. He's currently trailing Oregon's "The Duck." Damn state school and their "numbers."

Football

Next on the Chopping Block: Vanderbilt - Sippin' On Purple

Gettin' Familiar With Vanderbilt - Sippin' On Purple

Rodger Sherman at Sippin' On Purple has a phenomenally detailed account of the illustrious Vanderbilt-Northwestern football rivalry: a 3-0 Vanderbilt victory and a 20-20 tie. He has proposed a suicide pact in the event the game ends 3-0 in either direction. I have obviously accepted and have nominated seppuku. Here is a practical guide.

SEC 2010 // Your Turn: Vanderbilt's Road Back Is Long, But Maybe Not Too Long - Team Speed Kills

Vanderbilt Commodores welcome back a bye week | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Caldwell pointed to the last time Vanderbilt had an extended break between games prior to the 2008 Music City Bowl win over Boston College. "Everybody is like, 'Wow!' Well, it wasn't a big secret," he said. "We got some people healed up. We got better."

VU's Caldwell calm, confident as season's first week commences | Nashville City Paper

Basketball

More late-game situational statistics - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN

So, to put it simply, two teams are tied at the end of the game. If the offense calls a timeout, it has less of a chance of scoring than if it simply took the ball out of the hoop and went down the court as quickly as possible. This seems like something coaches should probably know.

Ezekowitz also looked at whether teams on average scored more points by not calling a timeout, and they did. Teams that called timeout scored an average of 0.773 points per possession whereas teams that did not call timeout scored an average of 1.06 PPP. [...] Thus teams that do not call timeout not only score more often, but also score more points on their possessions than teams that do.

It would be interesting to see if the numbers hold true with Vanderbilt. Coach Stallings is widely considered by his fellow coaches to be an excellent tactician [see Calipari's post game comments from UK@VU last season]. I would imagine that the coaches who are excellent tacticians most likely benefit more from the timeout than mediocre tacticians. It would also be interesting to see if those numbers held true for all the NCAA Tourney teams last season. I suspect they would not.

To celebrate Week One's arrival, SBNation has rolled out the confidence poll feature (previously only available to "sbn region"-affiliated blogs, iirc) to the rest of the network. You'll notice it in the top left. There are two options: weekly (default) and monthly. If weekly, the voting window is 48 hours starting Monday morning. If monthly, it's the full week of the first Monday of the month. Have at it.

It's AOG's inaugural football season. We're making this up on the fly, so if you have any suggestions or ideas for coverage, please share them in the comments. Otherwise we'll just ape Vanderbilt tradition by stealing the traditions of our fellow SBNation bloggers and institute them as our own.

Football

MORAL VICTORY!: Vandy turns to Steven Clarke as an emergency running back

Vanderbilt football coach Robbie Caldwell gives Twitter a try | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

New kickoff man: Caldwell said freshman Carey Spear from Mayfield, Ohio, will take over kickoff duties, leaving sophomore Ryan Fowler with the field goal and extra point kicking. Spear booted 49 kickoffs through the end zone as a high school senior.

Vanderbilt Commodores will start Larry Smith at quarterback | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

"It feels good to be named starter," Smith said. "I feel a whole lot more comfortable with the offense and the overall scheme being that I played last year. I'm feeling good going into the season, and hopefully it will show out there on the field."

Season Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Vanderbilt Commodores look for answers on offense | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Vanderbilt Coach Robbie Caldwell retains down-to-earth mentality | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Commodores will go with Smith at quarterback in season opener | Nashville City Paper

"Larry has separated himself, and deserves to get the ball," Caldwell said. "He has the big edge on experience, and really understands the offense. I expect to see Larry play well Saturday."

Commodores' linebacker teeming with stats, remains focused on team | Nashville City Paper

"He’s one of the best players I’ve seen work-ethic-wise," safety Sean Richardson said. "Instead of a lab rat, he’s like the film rat. He knows everything. He knows the defense, he controls the defense and he’s always been a great leader telling the defense what to do." "I look for every mistake, every false step, anything that will help me better know my opponent," Marve said. "You can’t get any better unless you know what you’re doing wrong, and the eye in the sky doesn’t lie."

Much more after the break...

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Vanderbilt Commodores Football

College football recruiting: Vanderbilt Commodores recruiting checkup - ESPN

"I always liked Coach Caldwell and originally thought he would be my position coach if I picked them," said offensive tackle Jake Bernstein (Crystal Lake, Ill./South), Vanderbilt's most recent commit. "Now he will be my head coach. He's different than your average coach. He's laid back, outgoing and very funny. That's what drew me to him initially. I can't wait to be coached by him."

Injuries help Vanderbilt work on its depth | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Eddie Foster and Andre Simmons are examples of the good that can come from injured starters in the preseason. Vanderbilt's young defensive backs have filled in for cornerback Jamie Graham (groin) and safety Sean Richardson (turf toe) with the first-unit defense.

VU O-line battle features plenty of potential, little experience | Nashville City Paper

Mylon Brown and Jabo Burrow have been competing at left guard throughout preseason practice. Recent events suggest that redshirt sophomore Burrow, a third-year sophomore,  has inched ahead of the redshirt-freshman Brown. Both insist that the competition has been healthy and, regardless of who wins the spot, for the betterment of the team.

Photo Gallery: Arizona Cardinals at VU Practice Complex | VUCommodores.com

Scout.com: 8/26 Practice (Premium)

Video: John Cole | Fox Sports Tennessee

Cardinals visit, Caldwell tweets - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

To follow Caldwell's tweets as the 2010 season approaches, go to http://twitter.com/robbiecaldwell

Vanderbilt Sports Line: Obviously Vandy Would Study The Best Way To Recruit Talent

Commodore Kickoff Special: OL/DL | Open 'Dores

MORAL VICTORY!: Vandy turns to Steven Clarke as an emergency running back

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Brandon Barca has hinted via twitter that the 2010-2011 Men's Basketball schedule should be released at some point today. Resist the urge to refresh AOG every 30 seconds... #goodluckwiththat

Football

SEC's toughest two-game stretches - SEC Blog - ESPN

5. Vanderbilt: The Commodores go from playing Arkansas on the road on Oct. 30 to facing Florida at home a week later on Nov. 6.

Warren Norman recovering after knee scope - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Warren Norman, the 2009 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year, is listed as questionable for the Commodore season opener after undergoing an arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday.

Vanderbilt's Norman could miss opener - SEC Blog - ESPN

Commodore Kickoff Special: WR/TE | Open 'Dores

VandySports.com - Wednesday Practice Notes... (Premium)

Scout.com: 8/25 Practice (Premium)

Vanderbilt Commodores need more sacks from defense | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

In 2008, when Vandy went 7-6 and won the Music City Bowl, the defense was fifth in the SEC with 30 sacks. Last year it dropped to 10th with 20. "Our defense played real well last year and obviously as an offense we left them on the field too long,'' said new Coach Robbie Caldwell, the offensive line coach last year. "But coming up with more sacks, putting some more pressure on the quarterback, is something we're stressing this year."

Vanderbilt's Warren Norman may miss season opener | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Norman had his right knee scoped Wednesday morning by team physician Dr. Kurt Spindler after an MRI revealed a small lateral meniscus tear and floating fragments of cartilage and bone.

VU's top rusher questionable to miss opener after surgery | Nashville City Paper

"Warren says he’s gonna be ready the first game but it’ll probably be about two weeks. We don’t want to rush it. We want to make sure he's healthy."

MORAL VICTORY!: Commodores stockpiling young offensive linemen for next year... and in great position for the future 

College Football BlogPoll Top 25: Alabama Predictably On Top Of Preseason Rankings - SBNation.com

The infamous BlogPoll has a new home this season (on SBN). I've inquired about AOG participation going forward. In the event we're included, I'd love for AOG's ballot to be more of a community project.

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It looks like the rumors about ESPN's basketball version of College GameDay being in Knoxville in mid-January for a VU-UT double-header (men/women) may be true and could be announced as early as today. Stay tuned.

Football

Commodore Kickoff Special: Running Backs | Open 'Dores

One back comes back for Vanderbilt, another awaits word on health | Nashville City Paper

Stacy, VU's second-leading rusher in 2009, suffered a knee sprain in practice on Aug. 13 but recovered faster than expected. The initial time frame for recovery was listed at four-five weeks yet Tuesday he was in pads and participated in drills.

Coaches on the hot seat; new coaches who will succeed, struggle | Mr. College Football

4. Robbie Caldwell, Vanderbilt: Caldwell got the job when Bobby Johnson suddenly retired in July. The Commodores were going to struggle this season regardless of who was the coach. Nine of the 12 teams on the schedule went to bowls last season.

Vanderbilt Commodores hope receiving corps will be OK | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Fisher said Krause, who started Saturday's scrimmage, has opened his eyes more than he anticipated. "He gives us a vertical threat because he's probably the fastest guy of the group," Fisher said. "Matthews and Boyd, are big strong guys. Matthews probably jumped out of the gate and was the best early in camp. I think Boyd has made the most strides later in the camp."

Vanderbilt Commodores give practice to SEC officials | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

More on Warren Norman:

"He got bumped one time and went down, but we don't know if it was in the spring or this fall or just some old scar tissue worked loose. He's feeling great. You saw him out there running routes."

Scout.com: 8/24 Practice (Premium)

VandySports.com - Tuesday Practice Report (Premium)

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More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

The Florida fans in the background know who actually won our matchup in Gainesville last season. Why don't Andy Katz and Doug Gottlieb? (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

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Football

Vanderbilt Commodores' Warren Norman to have MRI on knee | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Stacy might have his grandmother to thank for a speedy recovery. He has been treating his knee with Alabama red clay and vinegar — a remedy Lula Cottingham sent as a care package to her grandson shortly after he was injured. "The red clay and vinegar draw out the soreness," Stacy said. "I have no clue where the remedy comes from. It's just one of those things where your grandmother knows all."

Norman's knee creates uncertainty, causes change at running back for VU | Nashville City Paper

With Norman joining Wesley Tate and Zac Stacy on the sidelines Vanderbilt turned to freshman cornerback Steven Clarke to bolster depth at running back. Clarke played running back in high school as id with linebacker Micah Powell.

Vanderbilt quarterback wants to play, willing to wait | Nashville City Paper: Nashville's Online Source for Daily News

"If that’s [redshirting] the situation that presents itself then that is something I’ll take," Rodgers said. "You can never hurt from a year sitting out watching and learning more. That’s something I’d like to do if I’m not going to be seeing playing time, but if there is a situation at any point where I can see the field we’ll have to see how it goes."

VandySports.com - Updated Freshman Tracker (Premium)

Scout.com: 8/23 Practice (Premium)

Vanderbilt Sports Line: MRI Scheduled on Norman's Knee; Rodgers Trying to Stay Patient Lead Stories from Commodore Practice

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More photos » Nam Y. Huh - AP

11 days ago: Atlanta Braves starter Mike Minor delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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Football

Vanderbilt linebacker John Stokes learns from trip to Africa | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Vanderbilt Commodores give young players majority of action in scrimmage | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

"We wanted these young ones to get a lot of work and some of them got more than they wanted," Coach Robbie Caldwell said.

Fisher likes receiver competition | VandySports.com (Premium)

8/21 Scrimmage Notes and Observations | VandySports.com (Premium)

Scout.com: 8/21 Practice (Premium)

2010 Football Media Guide | VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Speed big asset to Fugger's game - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Young `Dores showcased in Saturday scrimmage - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Northwestern receivers take equal pride in blocking | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Videos of Coach Caldwell and David Williams, plus a few other links after the break...

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Before I get to the links:

Former Vanderbilt basketball manager and current assistant basketball coach at Princeton University, Martin Bahar '06, and his family are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk in honor of his late sister, Madeleine Beverly Bahar, who passed away in February 2009 at the age of 25 after a ten month battle with plasma cell leukemia. As part of the Bahar family's participation in the October 9th, 2010 walk, they are trying to raise over $10,000 for blood cancer research in Madeleine's name. Please visit the link below to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and for more information on the event. All proceeds go towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission to fight blood cancers.

"Light the Night" Walk: Maddie's Team | The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Football

Injuries to key players force Vanderbilt Commodores to take it easy on Warren Norman | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

"It's not like I'm not doing anything at all," Norman said, smiling. "But they're trying to keep me out of the tackling periods and serious drills we do during practice."

Freshman James Kittredge impressing Vanderbilt coaches at Vanderbilt | Tennessean Blogs: Vanderbilt Insider

James Kittredge is begin ning to look like an old pro every time he takes on a new position on the offensive line.

Offense shows a little life, Jordan Rodgers returns at Vanderbilt | Tennessean Blogs: Vanderbilt Insider

After looking sluggish much of the two practices Thursday, the Vanderbilt offense came to life toward the end of the afternoon session while working on third-down, long-yardage situations.

Vanderbilt punter Richard Kent has big shoes to fill | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Not only is Kent a first-string punter in the SEC, but the sophomore also is booming punts in preseason camp that have Vanderbilt's coaches pumping their fists.

Commodores in familiar position seeking fill-ins for injured tight end | Nashville City Paper

Freshman Fitz Lassing and redshirt-freshman Mason Johnston are two players the Commodores need to step up after an ACL tear took Austin Monahan out for the season. It is the third season in a row Monahan has sustained a significant injury.

Thursday Practice Report - VandySports.com (Premium)

VandySports.com - The Vandy Ten (Premium)

Scout.com: 8/19 Practice PM (Premium)

National AP feature on Caldwell - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Limited single game tailgating parking passes available - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

A limited number of single game parking permits for the new Blakemore parking lot are now available for purchase for the Vanderbilt home season.

Vanderbilt Sports Line: VSL Hotline: CRC is Smarter Than You Think, Edition

More after the break, including a video of Coach Caldwell's post-Thursday practice press conference.

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