40 Facts About Vanderbilt Commodores Football

The Early Days of Vanderbilt Commodores Football

The Vanderbilt Commodores football program has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Let's dive into some key moments and figures from the early days.

1. First Season: The Vanderbilt Commodores football program began in 1890, making it one of the oldest programs in the United States.
2. First Game: The first organized football game ever played in Tennessee was between Vanderbilt and Nashville (Peabody), which Vanderbilt won 40-0 in 1890.
3. Early Success: The team's early success was marked by a 40-0 win over Nashville (Peabody) in 1890, largely due to the leadership of team captain Elliott Jones, who also served as the team's coach.

Key Figures and Leadership

Over the years, several key figures have shaped the direction and success of the Vanderbilt Commodores football program.

4. Athletic Director: The current athletic director is Candice Storey Lee, who oversees the entire athletic department at Vanderbilt University.
5. Head Coach: As of the 2024 season, the head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores is Clark Lea, who is in his third season with the team.
6. All-Time Winningest Coach: Dan McGugin is the all-time winningest coach in Vanderbilt history, with 197 victories during his 30-year tenure from 1904 to 1917 and 1919 to 1934.
7. Notable Coaches: Several notable coaches have led the Commodores to postseason bowl appearances, including Art Guepe, Ethan Halbert, George MacIntyre, Bobby Johnson, James Franklin, and Derek Mason. Four coaches have led them to conference championships: R. G. Acton, W. H. Watkins, James R. Henry, and Dan McGugin.

Stadium and Facilities

The home of the Vanderbilt Commodores has seen many changes and improvements over the years, reflecting the growth and evolution of the program.

8. Stadium: The team plays its home games at FirstBank Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 40,550. The stadium was previously known as Dudley Field and was renamed in 2022 as part of a naming rights agreement.
9. Field Surface: The field surface at FirstBank Stadium is made of FieldTurf, providing a safe and durable playing surface for the team.
10. Location: The stadium is located on the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville, Tennessee.
11. Dudley Field History: The original Dudley Field was built in 1922 and was the South’s first football-specific stadium. It was renovated in 1981 and continued to evolve until it was renamed FirstBank Stadium in 2022.
12. FirstBank Stadium Renovation: The renovation of Dudley Field to FirstBank Stadium included a new three-story press box and the addition of several thousand seats, making it a state-of-the-art facility for the team.
13. Vandy United Campaign: The Vandy United campaign, a $300 million initiative, aims to reimagine the north and south end zones of FirstBank Stadium, enhancing the overall fan experience and providing better facilities for the student-athletes.

Conference and Competition

The Vanderbilt Commodores have competed in various conferences over the years, showcasing their adaptability and competitive spirit.

14. NCAA Division: The Vanderbilt Commodores compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
15. Conference: The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and competes in the East Division.
16. Past Conferences: The Commodores have played in several conferences over the years, including being an independent team from 1890 to 1894, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) from 1895 to 1921, and the Southern Conference (SoCon) from 1922 to 1932.
17. Conference Titles: Vanderbilt has won 14 conference titles, with 12 of those coming in the SIAA and 2 in the SoCon.
18. Conference Championship Drought: The Commodores last won a conference championship in 1923, ending a 91-year drought that is one of the longest in college football.

Memorable Games and Achievements

Throughout their history, the Commodores have had several memorable games and notable achievements that have left a lasting impact.

19. All-Time Record: The all-time record for the Vanderbilt Commodores stands at 618 wins, 665 losses, and 50 ties, giving them a winning percentage of .482.
20. Bowl Record: The team has a bowl record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie, with a winning percentage of .500.
21. Unclaimed National Titles: The Commodores have been awarded six unclaimed national titles: 1906, 1910, 1911, 1918, 1921, and 1922.
22. First Bowl Victory: The Commodores' first bowl victory came against Auburn in the Gator Bowl on New Year’s Eve 1955, with a score of 25-13.
23. Notable Rivalry Wins: Some of Vanderbilt’s most well-known rivalries include a 91-0 win over Ole Miss in 1915 and a 45-0 win over Kentucky in the same year.
24. Largest Win Against Tennessee: The Commodores' largest win against Tennessee was 76-0 in 1918.
25. 70 Years Between Top 10 Wins: The Commodores ended a 70-year drought between victories over Top 10 teams with a 17-6 upset of sixth-ranked South Carolina in 2007.
26. Historical Significance: The Commodores have played in several historic games, including a 0-0 tie against Yale in 1910, which sparked an impromptu bonfire and celebration on campus.

Players and Alumni

Vanderbilt has produced many talented players who have left their mark on the program and beyond.

27. Consensus All-Americans: Seven players from the Vanderbilt Commodores have been named Consensus All-Americans.
28. All-Time Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, a running back for the St. Louis Rams, is the Commodores’ all-time leading rusher with 3,143 yards over an impressive four-year career.
29. Famous Alumni: Notable alumni of the Vanderbilt Commodores football program include Roy Kramer, an SEC commissioner; Mack Brown, a former Texas coach; Wallace Wade, a coaching legend at Alabama and Duke; and Lynn Bomar, a College Football Hall of Famer.
30. Irby ‘Rabbit’ Curry: Irby ‘Rabbit’ Curry was a first-team All-Southern quarterback in 1915 and 1916. He was killed in combat during World War I and was posthumously honored by the Commodores in 1922 with the field named after him at Dudley Stadium.

Traditions and Culture

The Vanderbilt Commodores football program is rich in traditions that have become an integral part of its identity.

31. Colors: The team's colors are black and gold.
32. Fight Song: The fight song of the Vanderbilt Commodores is "Dynamite," which was written by student Francis Craig in 1924.
33. Mascot: The team's mascot is Mr. C, a costumed character representing the Commodores.
34. Marching Band: The Spirit of Gold Marching Band is the official marching band of the Vanderbilt Commodores.
35. Outfitter: The team's outfitter is Nike, which provides the necessary equipment and apparel for the players.

Rivalries and Competitions

Rivalries have always been a significant part of college football, and Vanderbilt is no exception.

36. Rivalries: The Commodores have several notable rivalries, including with Georgia, Georgia Tech (though the rivalry is dormant), Kentucky, Ole Miss, Sewanee (historical), Tennessee, and others.
37. Franklin’s Era in Nashville: Former coach James Franklin led the Commodores to three bowl appearances during his tenure from 2011 to 2013.

Modern Era and Future Prospects

As the program continues to evolve, the Vanderbilt Commodores are focused on building a bright future.

38. Evolution of the Program: From its humble beginnings to the present day, the Vanderbilt Commodores football program has evolved through various coaches, stadiums, and rivalries. The team continues to strive for excellence, both on and off the field, under the leadership of current athletic director Candice Storey Lee and head coach Clark Lea.
39. Website: The official website of the Vanderbilt Commodores football team is vucommodores.com.
40. Retroactive National Championships: McGugin was awarded two national championships retroactively by Clyde Berryman.

Vanderbilt Commodores: A Legacy of Grit and Glory

Vanderbilt Commodores football has a rich history, starting way back in 1890. From their first game against Nashville (Peabody) to playing in the modern FirstBank Stadium, the team has seen it all. With Clark Lea at the helm and Candice Storey Lee as the athletic director, the Commodores are in good hands. They've had some epic rivalries, like those with Tennessee and Ole Miss, and unforgettable moments, such as their 76-0 win over Tennessee in 1918. The Vandy United campaign promises exciting upgrades to their facilities, showing a commitment to future success. With a mix of historical achievements and modern ambitions, Vanderbilt football continues to be a cornerstone of college athletics. The Commodores' journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.