WALKER TO GET FIRST QB START; CUTLER, BRIGHAM TO MISS GAME Benji Walker is expected to make his first start at quarterback when the Commodores face Middle Tennessee Saturday night. Walker, a junior from Brentwood, Tenn., will replace Jay Cutler, who will miss the Middle Tennessee game following a suspension by Coach Bobby Johnson for violation of team rules. Walker and Cutler battled for the starting job through Spring Practice and much of the preseason before Cutler earned the role. Walker played in the Commodores’ first three games. This year, Walker has completed six of nine passes for 48 yards and rushed for 28 yards on five attempts. Coach Johnson announced the suspensions of Cutler and receiver Grant Brigham on Sept. 30.

VANDERBILT TEAM SUPERLATIVES ENTERING MIDDLE TENNESSEE GAME

Through five games, Vanderbilt has rushed for 1009 yards, averaging 201.8 yards per game (5th best in the SEC). At the same time last season, the Commodores were averaging 144.8 yards rushing. The VU rushing offense currently ranks 28th in the NCAA.
Vanderbilt’s kicking game, a big question mark entering the season, has been superb due to true freshman Greg Johnson. Johnson has converted on all 14 extra point attempts and four of six field goals. Johnson’s punting has been outstanding: he currently ranks 13th in the NCAA with a 43.5-yard average.
The Commodores have committed the fewest penalties (29) in the SEC. Their 213 yards in penalties also is the fewest in the conference.
Vanderbilt has outscored its opponents 38-23 in the fourth quarter. The +15 margin ranks fifth in the SEC. In 2001, the Commodores were outscored 100-37 in the final stanza, worst in the SEC. The Commodores have not fared so well in the third quarter, being outscored 62-24 on the season.
Vanderbilt has converted on 85% of its possessions in the red zone (eight TDs/four FGs). Only Kentucky, Mississippi State and LSU have converted more frequently.  Though the Commodores committed just one turnover against South Carolina (a last-minute interception), the squad must improve its season turnover margin of minus-7.

Complete Notes

Pregame: Vanderbilt Drive
Two hours before every game, the corner of Natchez Trace and Jess Neely Drive become Vanderbilt Drive, your pre-game party headquarters. There will be music, food, inflatable games, and fun for the whole family. One hour before the game we broadcast the pregame radio show with Joe Fisher live from the WSM caravan on Vanderbilt Drive.

Star Walk
At 4:45, the team makes the Star Walk into the stadium. Come out and join the band, cheerleaders, and fellow Commodore fans to cheer the team on as they enter the stadium.

National Anthem: Spirit of Gold Marching Band

Color Guard: Vanderbilt Navy ROTC

Half-time: MTSU Band of Blue (7:00)
The Spirit of Gold Marching Band (7:00)

Coca-Cola Flashback
The Jumbotron sets up the scenario for a famous moment in Commodore History. A fan is given three choices for how the play ends, with one of the choices being the correct answer. He or she tries to guess what play was called, and then the result is played out on the JumboTron. If the correct answer is chosen, the winner gets a Coca-Cola tailgate pack.

On-field presentations: Kick-Off Club (1st t.o., 1st quarter)
Distinguished Faculty (3rd quarter break)

In-stadium promos:
Coca-Cola Kick-Off Kid-
Before every home game, children (age 6 and up) can sign up on Vanderbilt Drive to become the Coca-Cola Kick-Off Kid. The winner will be announced during the pregame radio broadcast by Joe Fisher at the WSM caravan out on Vanderbilt Drive. The winner and a chaperone get to be on the sidelines for pregame and the Kick-Off kid gets to run out on the field and retrieve the tee from the opening kick-off.
Bell South Trivia-
A fan is selected to answer a trivia question up on the JumboTron. If they get the answer right, they win a Bell South gift certificate. If they get it wrong, the person sitting behind them gets the prize.
Kroger Fan of the Game
The Jumbotron cameras scan the crowd to find the loudest, most excited Commodore fan. When you hear the music, get ready…you could be The Kroger Fan of the Game.

Celebrity Band Contest
Each week we have a special guest join our band. Midway through the first timeout of the 3rd quarter, we ask a fan to name the celebrity of the week. If they get it right, they receive a Vanderbilt Prize Pack!