The Wiz of Odds

Gators Are Beasts of the SEC East

Florida was coming off a huge victory over Georgia and could have been caught looking ahead to a matchup against South Carolina, but the Gators were spectacular once again Saturday night, brushing aside Vanderbilt, 42-14, and clinching the SEC East in the process.

Wiz correspondent Greg was among 39,773 hearty souls who braved a cold night at Dudley Field in Nashville.

Tim Tebow strengthened his chances of winning a second Heisman by accounting for five touchdowns — all in the first half — and played only one series in the second half. Florida has won its last five games by an average score of 49-11.4.

It seemed like only yesterday that Vanderbilt was 5-0 and ranked No. 13, but the Commodores have lost four in a row and must win one of their last three to become bowl eligible. Vandy is at Kentucky, home to Tennessee and at Wake Forest to close the regular season.

Gator fans are taking full advantage of bragging rights over Georgia.

Not sure what they're selling, but we're buying.

What's a football game without popcorn?

Playin' in the band. The Fightin' Gator Marching Band made the trip.

The driver of this car probably got pulled over on the way back to Florida by an Alabama State Trooper.

The Gators run onto the field to start the game ...

... followed by the Commodores.

Tebow and the offense wasted little time as the Gators bolted to a 35-0 halftime lead.

Vanderbilt's Shining Moment

Welcome to Vanderbilt, home of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division-leading Commodores. Yes, that's right, the Earth has stopped. Vanderbilt is undefeated at 5-0 after a 14-13 victory over Auburn on Saturday night in Nashville. Things have never been better in Commodore land, with the team ranked 13th in the Associated Press poll. Needless to say, they are pumped up at the Vanderbilt fan site, Conquer And Prevail.

Wiz correspondent Greg, who earlier took in the "GameDay" festivities, toured the campus and sampled — among other things — the tailgating atmosphere before Saturday's game.

Vendors were lined up in orderly fashion in Vandyville. The tailgating tents are provided by the university. It costs $500 to reserve a tent for the season.

The tent of Golden Rule Smokehouse Grill, the official sponsor of Vandyville. Visiting Arkansas fans must love this.

If Mackenzi Adams, who replaced injured Chris Nickson at quarterback, were to get hurt, Vandy would appear to have a capable third-string signal caller.

Sign of the times: Now Vandy is calling out Ohio State.
A look from the outside at Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field. Completed in 1922, it was the first stadium in the South to be used exclusively for college football.

Auburn players gather before kickoff. The Tigers couldn't hold a 13-0 lead.

A look at the crowd of 38,773 under the lights.

GameDay Stops at Vanderbilt

More proof that if you live long enough you'll see anything. We're talking Saturday morning's marriage of Vanderbilt and ESPN's "College GameDay." Outside of the slim chance of the GameDay bus breaking down, who could have imagined a stop in Nashville?

But the Commodores, flying high at 4-0, were out in force to show their spirit before Bobby Johnson's team took on Auburn.

Wiz correspondent Greg made the trek to Nashville to get in on the festivities and although most of the fans were smiling, others felt like telling the world to shove it. Have to love the feisty attitude.

Fans began lining up at 6 a.m. This sign spelled out prohibited items. Somebody added "No Auburn."

Plenty of other signs were on display. Lee Corso remains a popular target.

Tennessee also felt the wrath of Vandy fans, as did the economy. Will the passage of the bailout bill help Auburn's offense?

Fans were urging Corso to put on the head of mascot Mr. C., signifying his choice of the Commodores to defeat the Tigers.

Corso must have spotted Greg in the crowd.

Really, no caption is necessary.

Mr. C., named for Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who founded Vanderbilt in 1873, took time out from his busy schedule to make an appearance.