[Bruce Wang]

Supposedly Vanderbilt's offering James Franklin a contract for 10! years! 50! million! dollars! https://twitter.com/TravHaneyESPN/status...5768212480

Has a Jeff Tedfordy feel about that contract.

And this my friends is the biggest advantage of having an alum who cares deeply about his alma mater as your coach.  Shaw has not been running around getting offers so he can shake down Stanford.  All class.

[Bruce Wang]

Supposedly Vanderbilt's offering James Franklin a contract for 10! years! 50! million! dollars! https://twitter.com/TravHaneyESPN/status...5768212480

Has a Jeff Tedfordy feel about that contract.

And this my friends is the biggest advantage of having an alum who cares deeply about his alma mater as your coach.  Shaw has not been running around getting offers so he can shake down Stanford.  All class.

[Bruce Wang]

Supposedly Vanderbilt's offering James Franklin a contract for 10! years! 50! million! dollars! https://twitter.com/TravHaneyESPN/status...5768212480

Has a Jeff Tedfordy feel about that contract.

And this my friends is the biggest advantage of having an alum who cares deeply about his alma mater as your coach.  Shaw has not been running around getting offers so he can shake down Stanford.  All class.

[Bruce Wang]

Supposedly Vanderbilt's offering James Franklin a contract for 10! years! 50! million! dollars! https://twitter.com/TravHaneyESPN/status...5768212480

Has a Jeff Tedfordy feel about that contract.

And this my friends is the biggest advantage of having an alum who cares deeply about his alma mater as your coach.  Shaw has not been running around getting offers so he can shake down Stanford.  All class.

[OutsiderFan]

Fact:  Vanderbilt football has reached its apex already.  It simply isn't going to ever finish above South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri in the same season.  In fact, ignorance of this fact makes Vanderbilt, as an institution look kinda sad.

We may find Stanford has reached its apex too, but Stanford already has proven it can win its conference and go to BCS bowls (be among th Top 4 teams in the country) with its coach.  And though the Pac-12 North is tough, even I will admit competing with programs with the resources and recruiting grounds as those above mentioned SEC schools would make it exceptionally challenging even for Stanford and Shaw.

Even now there are probably many Stanford fans who wouldn't be OK with paying the Stanford coach $5 million per year even with the success Stanford football has had.  And even more wouldn't be OK with it if the coach had done well, but had yet to prove he could go 11-1 or win the PAC-12.

Vanderbilt could pay Franklin more than Nick Saban and they aren't going to win the SEC, so why squander so many resources?  There are many good coaches out there and there is nothing wrong with being a stepping stone program to give ambitious young coaches a platform to prove themselves.  Who knows, maybe they will find a coach who so loves Vamderbilt that he doesn't want to leave even with great success.  Isn't that the guy you really want anyway?

[OutsiderFan]

Fact:  Vanderbilt football has reached its apex already.  It simply isn't going to ever finish above South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri in the same season.  In fact, ignorance of this fact makes Vanderbilt, as an institution look kinda sad.

We may find Stanford has reached its apex too, but Stanford already has proven it can win its conference and go to BCS bowls (be among th Top 4 teams in the country) with its coach.  And though the Pac-12 North is tough, even I will admit competing with programs with the resources and recruiting grounds as those above mentioned SEC schools would make it exceptionally challenging even for Stanford and Shaw.

Even now there are probably many Stanford fans who wouldn't be OK with paying the Stanford coach $5 million per year even with the success Stanford football has had.  And even more wouldn't be OK with it if the coach had done well, but had yet to prove he could go 11-1 or win the PAC-12.

Vanderbilt could pay Franklin more than Nick Saban and they aren't going to win the SEC, so why squander so many resources?  There are many good coaches out there and there is nothing wrong with being a stepping stone program to give ambitious young coaches a platform to prove themselves.  Who knows, maybe they will find a coach who so loves Vamderbilt that he doesn't want to leave even with great success.  Isn't that the guy you really want anyway?

[OutsiderFan]

Fact:  Vanderbilt football has reached its apex already.  It simply isn't going to ever finish above South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri in the same season.  In fact, ignorance of this fact makes Vanderbilt, as an institution look kinda sad.

We may find Stanford has reached its apex too, but Stanford already has proven it can win its conference and go to BCS bowls (be among th Top 4 teams in the country) with its coach.  And though the Pac-12 North is tough, even I will admit competing with programs with the resources and recruiting grounds as those above mentioned SEC schools would make it exceptionally challenging even for Stanford and Shaw.

Even now there are probably many Stanford fans who wouldn't be OK with paying the Stanford coach $5 million per year even with the success Stanford football has had.  And even more wouldn't be OK with it if the coach had done well, but had yet to prove he could go 11-1 or win the PAC-12.

Vanderbilt could pay Franklin more than Nick Saban and they aren't going to win the SEC, so why squander so many resources?  There are many good coaches out there and there is nothing wrong with being a stepping stone program to give ambitious young coaches a platform to prove themselves.  Who knows, maybe they will find a coach who so loves Vamderbilt that he doesn't want to leave even with great success.  Isn't that the guy you really want anyway?

[OutsiderFan]

Fact:  Vanderbilt football has reached its apex already.  It simply isn't going to ever finish above South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri in the same season.  In fact, ignorance of this fact makes Vanderbilt, as an institution look kinda sad.

We may find Stanford has reached its apex too, but Stanford already has proven it can win its conference and go to BCS bowls (be among th Top 4 teams in the country) with its coach.  And though the Pac-12 North is tough, even I will admit competing with programs with the resources and recruiting grounds as those above mentioned SEC schools would make it exceptionally challenging even for Stanford and Shaw.

Even now there are probably many Stanford fans who wouldn't be OK with paying the Stanford coach $5 million per year even with the success Stanford football has had.  And even more wouldn't be OK with it if the coach had done well, but had yet to prove he could go 11-1 or win the PAC-12.

Vanderbilt could pay Franklin more than Nick Saban and they aren't going to win the SEC, so why squander so many resources?  There are many good coaches out there and there is nothing wrong with being a stepping stone program to give ambitious young coaches a platform to prove themselves.  Who knows, maybe they will find a coach who so loves Vamderbilt that he doesn't want to leave even with great success.  Isn't that the guy you really want anyway?

[Redrum]

Dunno the details of the contract.  Really not relevant to us.  But the Vandy vacancy IS.  I wonder if Mason gets an interview.  I also wonder why Mason is touted for the two openings with departed (promoted) black coaches.  What's up with that?  Two schools that are proving/have proved something profound and want more of the same...or just media laziness in immediately considering those jobs "slots" for black coaches?  [Or, maybe not. Petrino got the job] My impression formed from afar is that Mason is less of a dynamic personality compared to the irrepressible Franklin and Strong.  Could be a great head coach but my impression is these turn-arounds seem to be lead by pretty robust personalities: Harbaugh, Strong, Franklin.  I have no idea what Mason is like with the players and with recruits, but I have watched Franklin up close in the SEC and he comes across as a force, ...which was key at Vandy and probably what they're looking for at Penn St.

[Redrum]

Dunno the details of the contract.  Really not relevant to us.  But the Vandy vacancy IS.  I wonder if Mason gets an interview.  I also wonder why Mason is touted for the two openings with departed (promoted) black coaches.  What's up with that?  Two schools that are proving/have proved something profound and want more of the same...or just media laziness in immediately considering those jobs "slots" for black coaches?  [Or, maybe not. Petrino got the job] My impression formed from afar is that Mason is less of a dynamic personality compared to the irrepressible Franklin and Strong.  Could be a great head coach but my impression is these turn-arounds seem to be lead by pretty robust personalities: Harbaugh, Strong, Franklin.  I have no idea what Mason is like with the players and with recruits, but I have watched Franklin up close in the SEC and he comes across as a force, ...which was key at Vandy and probably what they're looking for at Penn St.

[Redrum]

Dunno the details of the contract.  Really not relevant to us.  But the Vandy vacancy IS.  I wonder if Mason gets an interview.  I also wonder why Mason is touted for the two openings with departed (promoted) black coaches.  What's up with that?  Two schools that are proving/have proved something profound and want more of the same...or just media laziness in immediately considering those jobs "slots" for black coaches?  [Or, maybe not. Petrino got the job] My impression formed from afar is that Mason is less of a dynamic personality compared to the irrepressible Franklin and Strong.  Could be a great head coach but my impression is these turn-arounds seem to be lead by pretty robust personalities: Harbaugh, Strong, Franklin.  I have no idea what Mason is like with the players and with recruits, but I have watched Franklin up close in the SEC and he comes across as a force, ...which was key at Vandy and probably what they're looking for at Penn St.

[Redrum]

Dunno the details of the contract.  Really not relevant to us.  But the Vandy vacancy IS.  I wonder if Mason gets an interview.  I also wonder why Mason is touted for the two openings with departed (promoted) black coaches.  What's up with that?  Two schools that are proving/have proved something profound and want more of the same...or just media laziness in immediately considering those jobs "slots" for black coaches?  [Or, maybe not. Petrino got the job] My impression formed from afar is that Mason is less of a dynamic personality compared to the irrepressible Franklin and Strong.  Could be a great head coach but my impression is these turn-arounds seem to be lead by pretty robust personalities: Harbaugh, Strong, Franklin.  I have no idea what Mason is like with the players and with recruits, but I have watched Franklin up close in the SEC and he comes across as a force, ...which was key at Vandy and probably what they're looking for at Penn St.

[washingtonismoney]

Two things:

1. Dunno about your theory there Redrum. Franklin has a Harbaugh-esque personality, but Strong has always struck me as stolid and a bit grouchy. So Mason's personality is no handicap relative to Strong (which is unimportant now that the 'Ville went with Petrino.) At any rate, dynamic personality is pretty overrated to ultimate success. (Though the fact that people have become convinced that it is behooves you to develop one, I suppose.)

2. But let's focus on Vandy. How good a job is it? We know Mason interviewed for Louisville -- the question is, how does Mason rate Vanderbilt relative to Louisville? Strictly in brazen careerist terms, I think Louisville's better: pay similar, easier conference, and already operating at a high level (though minus Bridgewater expectations probably wouldn't be too high.) And Franklin's eagerness to shop himself around this offseason suggests a man who isn't too confident in the pipeline. But then there are intangible factors -- maybe Mason likes Nashville or really values working with academically accomplished kids. Who knows.

[washingtonismoney]

Two things:

1. Dunno about your theory there Redrum. Franklin has a Harbaugh-esque personality, but Strong has always struck me as stolid and a bit grouchy. So Mason's personality is no handicap relative to Strong (which is unimportant now that the 'Ville went with Petrino.) At any rate, dynamic personality is pretty overrated to ultimate success. (Though the fact that people have become convinced that it is behooves you to develop one, I suppose.)

2. But let's focus on Vandy. How good a job is it? We know Mason interviewed for Louisville -- the question is, how does Mason rate Vanderbilt relative to Louisville? Strictly in brazen careerist terms, I think Louisville's better: pay similar, easier conference, and already operating at a high level (though minus Bridgewater expectations probably wouldn't be too high.) And Franklin's eagerness to shop himself around this offseason suggests a man who isn't too confident in the pipeline. But then there are intangible factors -- maybe Mason likes Nashville or really values working with academically accomplished kids. Who knows.

[washingtonismoney]

Two things:

1. Dunno about your theory there Redrum. Franklin has a Harbaugh-esque personality, but Strong has always struck me as stolid and a bit grouchy. So Mason's personality is no handicap relative to Strong (which is unimportant now that the 'Ville went with Petrino.) At any rate, dynamic personality is pretty overrated to ultimate success. (Though the fact that people have become convinced that it is behooves you to develop one, I suppose.)

2. But let's focus on Vandy. How good a job is it? We know Mason interviewed for Louisville -- the question is, how does Mason rate Vanderbilt relative to Louisville? Strictly in brazen careerist terms, I think Louisville's better: pay similar, easier conference, and already operating at a high level (though minus Bridgewater expectations probably wouldn't be too high.) And Franklin's eagerness to shop himself around this offseason suggests a man who isn't too confident in the pipeline. But then there are intangible factors -- maybe Mason likes Nashville or really values working with academically accomplished kids. Who knows.

[washingtonismoney]

Two things:

1. Dunno about your theory there Redrum. Franklin has a Harbaugh-esque personality, but Strong has always struck me as stolid and a bit grouchy. So Mason's personality is no handicap relative to Strong (which is unimportant now that the 'Ville went with Petrino.) At any rate, dynamic personality is pretty overrated to ultimate success. (Though the fact that people have become convinced that it is behooves you to develop one, I suppose.)

2. But let's focus on Vandy. How good a job is it? We know Mason interviewed for Louisville -- the question is, how does Mason rate Vanderbilt relative to Louisville? Strictly in brazen careerist terms, I think Louisville's better: pay similar, easier conference, and already operating at a high level (though minus Bridgewater expectations probably wouldn't be too high.) And Franklin's eagerness to shop himself around this offseason suggests a man who isn't too confident in the pipeline. But then there are intangible factors -- maybe Mason likes Nashville or really values working with academically accomplished kids. Who knows.

[stupac2]

academically accomplished kids

Are Vandy's athletes really all that academically accomplished? I mean, I know some are since we compete with them for recruits, but I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do.

[stupac2]

academically accomplished kids

Are Vandy's athletes really all that academically accomplished? I mean, I know some are since we compete with them for recruits, but I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do.

[stupac2]

academically accomplished kids

Are Vandy's athletes really all that academically accomplished? I mean, I know some are since we compete with them for recruits, but I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do.

[stupac2]

academically accomplished kids

Are Vandy's athletes really all that academically accomplished? I mean, I know some are since we compete with them for recruits, but I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do.

[CowboyIndian]

What is the long-term appeal of a place where there is no hope in hell of ever winning the conference championship....or ever going to a bowl not sponsored by a fast-food chain?

[CowboyIndian]

What is the long-term appeal of a place where there is no hope in hell of ever winning the conference championship....or ever going to a bowl not sponsored by a fast-food chain?

[CowboyIndian]

What is the long-term appeal of a place where there is no hope in hell of ever winning the conference championship....or ever going to a bowl not sponsored by a fast-food chain?

[CowboyIndian]

What is the long-term appeal of a place where there is no hope in hell of ever winning the conference championship....or ever going to a bowl not sponsored by a fast-food chain?

[Redrum]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

I think Vandy has a classic marketing problem.  It's a tweener in an academic sports "market" that really wants athletic success more than academic accolades.  Vandy so far hasn't offered  high-value, high achieving football and top-tier academics and the chance to win meaningfully.  Vandy is good school, lots of ties among my in-laws and back in the day the Redrumette looked at Vandy because it  (and Duke) were arguably the best schools in the South.  But their value proposition isn't nearly as good as Stanford's.  For my kid or for a high-achieving football player with an academic bent.  I think the only serious head-to-head recruiting battle Stanford lost to Vanderbilt football was WR John Cole, who we went after very hard, was very good for Vandy and could have thrived even more on a better Stanford team.

I don't think Vanderbilt will ever attract enough talent to pop a SEC championship, or even seriously contend.  But that's what they said about Stanford, too. 

[Redrum]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

I think Vandy has a classic marketing problem.  It's a tweener in an academic sports "market" that really wants athletic success more than academic accolades.  Vandy so far hasn't offered  high-value, high achieving football and top-tier academics and the chance to win meaningfully.  Vandy is good school, lots of ties among my in-laws and back in the day the Redrumette looked at Vandy because it  (and Duke) were arguably the best schools in the South.  But their value proposition isn't nearly as good as Stanford's.  For my kid or for a high-achieving football player with an academic bent.  I think the only serious head-to-head recruiting battle Stanford lost to Vanderbilt football was WR John Cole, who we went after very hard, was very good for Vandy and could have thrived even more on a better Stanford team.

I don't think Vanderbilt will ever attract enough talent to pop a SEC championship, or even seriously contend.  But that's what they said about Stanford, too. 

[Redrum]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

I think Vandy has a classic marketing problem.  It's a tweener in an academic sports "market" that really wants athletic success more than academic accolades.  Vandy so far hasn't offered  high-value, high achieving football and top-tier academics and the chance to win meaningfully.  Vandy is good school, lots of ties among my in-laws and back in the day the Redrumette looked at Vandy because it  (and Duke) were arguably the best schools in the South.  But their value proposition isn't nearly as good as Stanford's.  For my kid or for a high-achieving football player with an academic bent.  I think the only serious head-to-head recruiting battle Stanford lost to Vanderbilt football was WR John Cole, who we went after very hard, was very good for Vandy and could have thrived even more on a better Stanford team.

I don't think Vanderbilt will ever attract enough talent to pop a SEC championship, or even seriously contend.  But that's what they said about Stanford, too. 

[Redrum]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

I think Vandy has a classic marketing problem.  It's a tweener in an academic sports "market" that really wants athletic success more than academic accolades.  Vandy so far hasn't offered  high-value, high achieving football and top-tier academics and the chance to win meaningfully.  Vandy is good school, lots of ties among my in-laws and back in the day the Redrumette looked at Vandy because it  (and Duke) were arguably the best schools in the South.  But their value proposition isn't nearly as good as Stanford's.  For my kid or for a high-achieving football player with an academic bent.  I think the only serious head-to-head recruiting battle Stanford lost to Vanderbilt football was WR John Cole, who we went after very hard, was very good for Vandy and could have thrived even more on a better Stanford team.

I don't think Vanderbilt will ever attract enough talent to pop a SEC championship, or even seriously contend.  But that's what they said about Stanford, too. 

[stupac2]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

Did you actually read the whole thing I wrote? It was very clearly talking about academics. Hell, I think from your quote it's crystal clear...

[stupac2]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

Did you actually read the whole thing I wrote? It was very clearly talking about academics. Hell, I think from your quote it's crystal clear...

[stupac2]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

Did you actually read the whole thing I wrote? It was very clearly talking about academics. Hell, I think from your quote it's crystal clear...

[stupac2]

"I'd be shocked if their average athlete wasn't far inferior to ours, just because it seems extremely unlikely that they keep admissions standards high for athletes the way we do."

Athletic ability is not necessarily linked to intelligence or, by extension, admission standards.  Xref Ohio St.,  UF,  Alabama, Fla. St et al. 

Did you actually read the whole thing I wrote? It was very clearly talking about academics. Hell, I think from your quote it's crystal clear...

[needle]

The Big Visit thread lists a Jesse Burkett visiting. He's a Vanderbilt commit.

OT rated three stars by 247.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jesse-Burkett-23236

[needle]

The Big Visit thread lists a Jesse Burkett visiting. He's a Vanderbilt commit.

OT rated three stars by 247.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jesse-Burkett-23236

[needle]

The Big Visit thread lists a Jesse Burkett visiting. He's a Vanderbilt commit.

OT rated three stars by 247.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jesse-Burkett-23236

[needle]

The Big Visit thread lists a Jesse Burkett visiting. He's a Vanderbilt commit.

OT rated three stars by 247.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jesse-Burkett-23236

[washingtonismoney]

Franklin's hard at work -- already flipped two Vandy commits: https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/status/4...8328512513

[washingtonismoney]

Franklin's hard at work -- already flipped two Vandy commits: https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/status/4...8328512513

[washingtonismoney]

Franklin's hard at work -- already flipped two Vandy commits: https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/status/4...8328512513

[washingtonismoney]

Franklin's hard at work -- already flipped two Vandy commits: https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/status/4...8328512513