Vanderbilt isn't exactly known for its football, but we at the alligatorSports brand picks column were determined to find someone who considers him or herself a Commodores fan.
Meet Conrad G. Lucas II, co-founder of Vanderbilt mega-fan group, the Robber Baron Rowdies.
So apparently, there is more than one fan - who knew?
The Robber Baron Rowdies were formed this season by Lucas and four of his friends, who decided to throw Vandy?s version of a tailgate every week for home games.
Each Saturday, the group and its mascot, Jack Whodat the dog, set up tent in Vandyville and construct a top-10 list for the Commodores? opponent.
Past top-10 lists include BLies Told by Nick SabanC and BHotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty, These Ten Things Would Suck.C
Now, for those who don?t know what a robber baron is, let?s take a timeout for a little history lesson.
Robber barons were American capitalists of the latter part of the 19th century who became wealthy through exploitation. Cornelius Vanderbilt made his fortune more than a century ago by controlling numerous ferry, steamship and railroad lines.
Lucas and his buddies decided their university?s namesake made the perfect source for the title of their tailgate.
BRobber barons were successful and aggressive and well known for being very good at what they did,C Lucas said. BWe want Vanderbilt athletics to have those traits.C
So far, the connotation doesn?t seem to be rubbing off. In its 118 years of existence, the robber baron?s football team holds a dismal record of 546-538-50.
With a record like that, is it really possible for the Rowdies to get rowdy?
BAbsolutely, and especially we?ll be rowdy for Florida because we felt we got robbed two years ago,C Davis said. BWe?re a small school, so there aren?t as many of us, but we can pack a mighty punch when we need to.C
That?s a pretty bold statement, and Davis has the proof to back it up. We asked Davis, if a robber baron squared off with Tim Tebow, who would win the fight?
BA robber baron, hands down, because he could outsmart him,C Lucas said.
But even that kind of trash talking seemed to be a little too much for a Commodores fan, who pointed out that Vanderbilt is all about the love.
BWe don?t necessarily have massive rivalries, and nobody really hates us, and we don?t really hate anyone besides Tennessee,C Lucas said. BSo we look forward to beating Florida on Saturday, but we?re also happy about the success they?ve brought to the SEC.C
What great sportsmanship. No wonder Vanderbilt is horrible at football.
With that, on to the picks!
Tied for first with the guest pickers with a 46-34 record is Brian BI tried to pick up Georgia chicks last weekend but scared them off with my macramed pair of jean shortsC Steele, who likes to belt out the lyrics to the Spice Girls? BWannabeC while in the shower. We just hope he?s not fantasizing about Baby Spice.
Batting second with a 43-37 record is Bryan BMy nickname in high school was big, fat goalieC Jones, who likes to each sandwiches with his imaginary friend, a space cowboy named Maurice.
In third at 42-38 is Jenna BDan Werner is the next Larry BirdC Marina, who makes her game picks based on which team has prettier uniforms and cuter mascots.
Batting cleanup, with a record of 41-39, is Nick BI wish I were sponge-worthyC Zaccardi, who plans on spending his BSummer of NickC by watching Seinfeld re-runs while eating a block of cheese.
In dead-ass last with a piss-poor record of 40-40 is Mike BI tried to dress up as Timon for Halloween,C McCall, who ended up settling for a Rafiki costume when he couldn?t convince anyone to be his Pumbaa.
| BJ | JM | MM | BS | NZ | CL | |
| NWstrn-Iowa | Iowa | Iowa | Iowa | Iowa | Nwstrn | Nwstrn |
| Ark-S.Car | S.Car | S.Car | S.Car | Ark | S.Car | Ark |
| UConn-Rut. | Rut | Rut | Rut | Rut | Rut | UConn |
| UVA-WF | WF | UVA | WF | UVA | WF | UVA |
| Tex-OkSt | Tex | Tex | Tex | Tex | Tex | Tex |
| ND-Navy | Navy | Navy | ND | ND | Navy | Navy |
| Mich-MSU | Mich | Mich | Mich | Mich | Mich | Mich |
| UCLA-Ariz | UCLA | UCLA | Ariz | UCLA | UCLA | Ariz |
| ECU-Mem. | ECU | ECU | ECU | Mem. | ECU | ECU |
UF-Vandy BJ: UF 45-21; JM: UF 28-10; MM: UF 38-24; BS: UF 31-21; NZ: UF 27-16; CL: Vandy 20-17
