If Vanderbilt’s football team is to make a return trip to a bowl game in 2009, it will have to do it against a comparable level of competition. The 2009 Commodores will face eight teams that played in bowl games following the 2008 season.

The schedule includes one change from original plans and a steady home-away cadence. Vanderbilt opens Sept. 5 at home against Western Carolina and alternates between home and away games over 12 consecutive weeks capped by a Nov. 21 contest at Tennessee.

The first SEC home game is Sept. 19 against Mississippi State, which flipped its trip to Nashville with in-state rival Ole Miss. The Commodores and Rebels will play Oct. 3 at Vanderbilt Stadium. VU’s conference opener will be Sept. 12 at LSU, a place the Commodores have not visited since 2004.

LSU also will be the first of the 2008 bowl participants VU will face. The others are: Rice, Ole Miss, Georgia, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Florida and Kentucky.

"It looks like an extremely challenging schedule, but it's no different from any other year,” coach Bobby Johnson said. “When you play in the SEC, you're going to play excellent football teams. We're excited about the challenge ahead, and looking forward to getting started early next month with spring practice."

Tailgate with The Zone in Vandyville!

Vandyville features the gigantic 10x16 VandyVision big screen, plus food vendors, kids activities, the Star Walk and appearances by the Spirit of Gold Marching Band and Cheerleaders!

Arrive early and wear your Gold! More Info.

2009 VANDERBILT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE