Farewell, Bobby Johnson

Bobby Johnson, former Vanderbilt head coach

The big college football news of the week was the surprise retirement of Bobby Johnson, head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, an EMU opponent this fall. The Vanderbilt coach for 8 years, in 2008 Johnson lead the ‘Dores to their first winning season since 1982 (and moving EMU one step closer to the top of that list), and their first bowl win in 53 years. Interim head coach Robbie Caldwell had no advance warning of the decision, and aside from one season as a high school baseball coach, he has never been a head coach at any level of any sport. Personally, I wonder if the turmoil into which this has plunged Vanderbilt might help the Eagles’ chances of pulling off the upset.

In offering a hilarious commentary on “Why Bobby Johnson retired” from Vanderbilt, the Capstone Report gives us this comment about EMU:

Week five, Eastern Michigan.  Likely a win, but on the ride home you glance in the rear view mirror and realize you had to play Eastern Michigan to get a win.  Win, but a loss.

Meanwhile, NWAonline observes that of the 12 SEC schools, 11 football teams have Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA)opponents on their schedule this fall. Only Vanderbilt put together a full schedule of Football Bowl Subdivision opponents for the 2010 season.