Notes from the Coach's show Monday 9/4

[BrentVU]

- Darren Agu is back in practice and should play Saturday (which should help the pass rush). De'Rickey Wright's injury was revealed as an ankle sprain and may take some time; he is day-to-day.
- Coach was also asked about his special teams' success and he had interesting comments. He said the depth that the team has developed has allowed him to place some very skilled players on special teams, and players that pay attention to detail. The returners get most of the attention, he said, but it's often the design of the scheme and/or a key block or two that allow a returner to make a big return.
- Regarding Wake Forest, he said there's not much difference between this year's Deacons and last year's which beat Vandy 45-25. Vandy dug itself into a big early hole last year with a couple of turnovers by Mike Wright and by giving up a long Sam Hartman pass for TD; can't do that again.

[charlestonalum]

He seemed anxious to play them: not optimistic but interested to see how much better we play them than last year.

Duke down 1 at half and should be up over Clemson. Riley Leonard Duke QB that VU wanted really is very good at looking off his receiver and then delivering it. Swann needs to learn that skill.

[Go Vandy!]

Duke down 1 at half and should be up over Clemson.

Tangent followup: Duke 13 Clemson 7 8:14 3rd. Tigers not looking very good at all

[VU1970]

So much for the "future head coach at Alabama."

[charlestonalum]

Duke is good. Proud of them.

[BrentVU]

You can hear the whole coach's show here...

Commodore Hour 9/4: Clark Lea, Darren Ambrose


As for Duke... yeah, I kinda thought that might be coming. Wish I'da picked that as my upset of the week! Duke's coach Mike Elko is a great friend and mentor to Clark Lea and is on track in his rebuilding task. Last night was Duke's coming-out party.

[charlestonalum]

Actually the coming out party was last year with 9 wins in Elko's first year: he said: "We are going to win starting now" last year and it is continuing. None of the slow build: and they did it with only 5 transfers in from the portal this season. He must be one heck of a coach. Hope Clark listens closely and learns from his friend.

[BrentVU]

Actually the coming out party was last year with 9 wins in Elko's first year: he said: "We are going to win starting now" last year and it is continuing. None of the slow build: and they did it with only 5 transfers in from the portal this season. He must be one heck of a coach. Hope Clark listens closely and learns from his friend.

Yes but... Duke hadn't beaten a Top Ten team in 34 years (since Spurrier was coach, I think). Going to mid-tier bowls is great, but this takes it to another level. You don't really earn respect for yourself until you start beating top-ranked teams (preferably on national TV).

[Go Vandy!]

I'd take a 9 W season in '22 & beating Clemson so far this year. I guess success is relative.

[commadore]

Duke is good. Proud of them.

But, but, but, they are a highly ranked school. That means they can never be good. Just ask all the Vanderbilt fans, right?

[charlestonalum]

Duke is good. Proud of them.

But, but, but, they are a highly ranked school. That means they can never be good. Just ask all the Vanderbilt fans, right?

Yep, and with Stanford and Cal joining the ACC, Clemson and FSU better watch out.