VandySports Podcast
633 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 104 ratingsVandySports.com's Chris Lee, Billy Derrick, and Joey Dwyer discuss everything related to Vanderbilt football, men's basketball, and baseball, from games and off-field news to recruiting. The show frequently features various Vanderbilt insiders. Thanks to our other sponsors Sutherland & Belk, The Kendrick Group, Stakes, and MyPerfectFranchise.net.
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Episodes
Norman Jordan, on the new-look Commodores
September 29, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutesVanderbilt color commentator Norman Jordan talked about the Commodores' 17-12 loss at Texas A&M. That includes what he saw from VU's new offensive and defensive coordinators, some thoughts on quarterback Ken Seals and how well the Vanderbilt defensive line played on Saturday.
What Mitch Light liked--and didn't--in Vanderbilt's opener at Texas A&M
September 28, 2020 14:19 - 45 minutesChris Lee and Mitch Light dissect Vanderbilt's football season opener. Topics include Ken Seals's debut, a much-improved defense, the running back situation with Keyon Brooks out, Derek Mason's late-game personal foul (and why both defend Mason on that), and Mitch's general thoughts on the college football landscape in this odd 2020 season.
The two biggest storylines with VU football for 2020
September 25, 2020 19:49 - 1 hourChris Lee and Braden Gall talk about two intriguing storylines with the 2020 season: A true freshman quarterback (Ken Seals) and a defense led by new coordinator Ted Roof that has a chance to surprise. The two also talk about how Vanderbilt's baseball brand, hit some topics related to the 10-game Southeastern Conference football schedule, and discuss why Derek Mason is Braden's first choice among SEC coaches to babysit his kids.
An unforgettable hour with Mark Howard
September 23, 2020 21:45 - 1 hourLong-time Nashville sports radio personality Mark Howard joins the show to discuss Vanderbilt's precarious position in the sports landscape, as well as some of his memories of covering the Commodores. The two also discuss the Nashville sports scene and sports media scene, and also get into some of the most memorable things Mark's covered in Nashville outside of VU.
D1 Baseball's Aaron Fitt, on the VandyBoys
September 18, 2020 20:48 - 44 minutesD1 Baseball's Aaron Fitt joins the podcast to answer your questions about the VandyBoys and the state of college baseball in general. Topics include Aaron's thoughts on Vandy's pitching and lineup for next year as well as his thoughts on what he saw at VU in 2020.
Vandy's surprising hire of Louisiana Tech AD Tommy McClelland
September 14, 2020 19:47 - 26 minutesIn a move that caught everyone on both media markets by surprise, Vanderbilt plucked Louisiana Tech athletic director Tommy McClelland away to be its deputy AD on Monday. Ben Carlisle of BleedTechBlue.com gives background on McClelland and why he left for a lesser title, and answers a number of questions on the topic.
The silver lining for the 2021 football offense
September 11, 2020 16:19 - 36 minutesSome of the disadvantages that the Vanderbilt offense faces for 2020 could turn out to pay dividends for 2021. Chris Lee and The Athletic's Mitch Light discuss that, as well as the general climate around college football, and get into when the college basketball season could start.
Favorite Commodores, pro futures
September 10, 2020 00:36 - 57 minutesChris Lee and Seabass give their favorite Vanderbilt players of all time, and talk about which VandyBoys have the brightest MLB futures. The pair also answer some football and hoops questions in the mailbag.
The state of the VandyBoys, with Kevin Ingram
September 04, 2020 16:10 - 44 minutesChris Lee and Vanderbilt mid-week TV announcer Kevin Ingram talk about the abbreviated 2020 season and what might have been before discussing the 2021 roster. The two also share some funny Harry and Skip Caray stories on a sidebar midway through the program.
Re-boot
September 02, 2020 15:10 - 58 minutesHas Vanderbilt abandoned all of former Malcolm Turner's strategic plans? Chris Lee and guest George Plaster discuss that, as well as some more background of Candice Lee's coming into power that's not been discussed on the podcast. The two talk about new chancellor Daniel Diermeier's latest remarks on athletics, hit the mailbag, and more in a 58-minute episode. Special thanks to our new presenting sponsor, Jody Jones DDS, for help making a sixth season of the podcast possible.
Tommy Smith answers more of your questions
August 21, 2020 16:20 - 24 minutesPeople still had questions for former VU athletics employee Tommy Smith after his two podcast appearances last week, so, he returns to the podcast to answer them.
Tommy Smith answers your questions
August 12, 2020 16:37 - 56 minutesTommy Smith, who was Malcolm Turner's right-hand man at Vanderbilt, answers listener questions in the wake of Monday's podcast in which Smith discussed his VU experience. Topics include facilities plans, university leadership, student-athlete support and a lot more.
The truth about Vanderbilt athletics, from someone who tried to change it
August 10, 2020 23:15 - 40 minutesTommy Smith, who was former athletic director Malcolm Turner's right-hand man, gives first-hand accounts of how things went when he and Malcolm Turner tried to change the culture around Vanderbilt athletics. Included are a revealing story about the Georgia football game, how the school views athletics as competition for resources, why Tim Corbin succeeds in spite of it, why academic standards aren't the problem and much more.
Play ball?
July 31, 2020 22:18 - 1 hourChris Lee and Seabass start the episode by discussing the resumption of sports; Chris shares why he's not sure college football unfortunately may not get off the ground. The two also talk about the climate around Vanderbilt athletics and why the PR war is about to get worse for the university unless it can soon produce something that can tangibly excite its athletics community.
Opinions and evidence
July 29, 2020 16:33 - 56 minutesChris Lee and George Plaster go over the cases that people have made as to why athletic director Candice Lee deserved the athletic director's job, and the ones they've made that she didn't. Lee, through her actions as AD and in support rules before becoming the AD in title, has a very observable track record to evaluate; how do the facts align with each camp?
A little more behind the curtain
July 17, 2020 19:37 - 48 minutesA little more background on Wednesday morning's story, plus, the mailbag, with Seabass.
Why the SEC is about to have revised 2020 football schedules, and more COVID-19 complications
July 10, 2020 21:06 - 1 hourChris Lee's former radio co-host, Trey Wallace (now at Fox Sports Knoxville), joins the podcast to discuss what he's hearing in SEC offices regarding coming changes to the 2020 football schedule in light of COVID-19. The two also discuss game-day policies, what this means for teams booted off schedules, and more. Trey also discusses how Vanderbilt's dismissal of most of its sports media relations team was received around the SEC.
Vanderbilt dismantles its athletics communications office
July 08, 2020 18:32 - 55 minutesVanderbilt stunned everyone by eliminating almost its entire athletics communication office, putting it under the auspices of the general university. Chris Lee and George Plaster talk about the "why's" of that decision and what it means.
A Season of Homecomings: Vanderbilt edition
July 03, 2020 17:06 - 47 minutesRon Lang, author of "A Season of Homecomings: Living, Learning and Loving Every School in the SEC," joins the podcast to discuss his book and the Vanderbilt portion within it. Ron conveys his impressions of Vanderbilt, names his all-time favorite Commodore, shares stories behind the scenes of the book, and answers listener questions.
Potential tough decisions, looking back a year, and... oxtail?
July 02, 2020 22:06 - 1 hourChris Lee and Seabass discuss tough coverage decisions that will have to be made if football is pushed to the spring, and talk about how much the outlook for Vanderbilt sports has changed in one year. Plus, the two talk about some dynamics with the quarterback battle heading into the 2020 (2021?) season.
Keeping it real
June 24, 2020 22:02 - 49 minutesChris Lee and Seabass discuss how the sports media works, and talk about what could happen if Vanderbilt needed to make a football coaching change immediately.
Attorney Grover Collins discusses Vanderbilt's Title IX-related allegations
June 22, 2020 15:21 - 22 minutesAttorney Grover Collins of Collins Legal discusses the Title IX-related allegations that went public involving Vanderbilt football this weekend.
Post-2020 MLB Draft discussion, and 2021 football recruiting
June 18, 2020 16:00 - 41 minutesChris Lee and Seabass compare 2020 MLB Draft expectations compared to realities, whether Mason Hickman should stay in school or go pro, and why the Orioles shouldn't have passed on Austin Martin. Plus, Seabass gives some brief evaluations of VU's 2021 football recruits.
Academics, athletics and COVID-19
June 17, 2020 18:04 - 1 hourEducational consultant (and Vanderbilt graduate) Mike Spivey tells us what he's learning about what's ahead with COVID-19 and higher ed after talking with multiple university administrators. He and Chris Lee hit the realities and the what-ifs of how universities and athletics are being affected with COVID-19 and touch on some other related issues, too.
Vanderbilt's baseball brand, and the 2020 MLB Draft
June 10, 2020 21:33 - 48 minutesChris Lee and Seabass talk about the strength of the VandyBoys' brand, and cite a tangible example. Plus, the two talk about what's ahead for VU in this draft, especially in Rounds 2-5, where the Commodores might (or might not) lose a lot of key arms. The two dive into a football-themed mailbag at the end.
Will Vanderbilt play football this fall?
June 08, 2020 21:23 - 35 minutesThe Tennessean's Gentry Estes wrote about Vanderbilt's indecision regarding playing football this fall amidst the COVID-19 crisis. He and Chris Lee get into why VU hasn't made a decision and what could happen if Vanderbilt doesn't play this fall. It's an enlightening 35-minute episode of the VandySports Podcast.
Who'd you rather have?
June 04, 2020 21:42 - 1 hourBobby Johnson or Derek Mason? Earl Bennett or Jordan Matthews? Casey Hayward or D.J. Moore? Those are a few of the questions Chris Lee asks Seabass, plus, a number of intriguing mailbag questions with an eye towards Vanderbilt's 2020 football season.
D1's David Seifert, on Vandy, the MLB Draft and the future of college baseball
June 03, 2020 16:31 - 49 minutesDavid Seifert, the head of college scouting at D1 Baseball, discusses the upcoming MLB Draft and Vanderbilt's presence within it. Seifert also shares thoughts about potential changes to the MLB calendar, discusses ramifications of whether MLB plays an abbreviated season this year or not, and a whole lot more in a 49-minute podcast.
Jeff Goodman explains his tweet
May 28, 2020 16:21 - 23 minutesThe Stadium's Jeff Goodman sent out a tweet on Tuesday that didn't sit well with Jerry Stackhouse or Vanderbilt fans. On Tuesday afternoon, we did a podcast with Goodman in which he explains the background of that tweet. Goodman also opines on the near-future of Vanderbilt basketball and the SEC and hits on some other basketball-related topics in a 24-minute episode.
Candice Lee, Vandy AD
May 26, 2020 15:37 - 51 minutesCandice Lee has been promoted from interim athletic director to the permanent person for that position. Chris Lee and George Plaster discuss that, how Vanderbilt got here and what that means.
2021 Vanderbilt football
May 22, 2020 15:37 - 1 hourThe 2021 Vanderbilt football season should be a lot more interesting than the 2020 campaign, for two big reasons. Chris Lee and Seabass get into that, and also discuss future VU out-of-conference football schedules for the next decade.
Longer-term outlook for VU hoops, and that underrated 2004 pitching staff
May 19, 2020 19:05 - 51 minutesChris Lee and Mitch Light discuss Vandy hoops rosters for the next 2-3 years, and the biggest missing piece there. The two also talk briefly about the start of college football season, then, dive into the VandySports 100, which spawns a discussion of Vandy's terrific 2004 starting rotation.
No Romello; now, when will we have sports?
May 18, 2020 15:50 - 44 minutesRomello White is headed to Ole Miss, and VU is without a third basketball assistant. Chris Lee and George Plaster discuss that, as well as a potential re-start for baseball and the landscape for college football this fall.
The MLB Draft, and three reasons for football hope for 2020
May 13, 2020 20:18 - 1 hourChris Lee and Mitch Light hit all sorts of topics in an hour-long draft. The discussion starts with where MLB.com recently ranked Vanderbilt players and prospects in its draft ratings, touches on the Jim Harbaugh letter to the NCAA, hits the VandySports 100 (including the Festus Ezeli-Luke Kornet debate) and ends with the 2020 football team, including the three biggest reasons of hope for the seasons.
Much depends on the new chancellor
May 11, 2020 15:12 - 44 minutesA year and a half after David Williams stepped down, nothing really changed with Vanderbilt athletics, even before the pandemic. How might new chancellor Daniel Diermaier feel about sports? Chris Lee and George Plaster discuss that, some lower-hanging fruit for Candice Lee, and what sports might return (and when) in a wide-ranging Monday podcast lasting 44 minutes.
Would Romello White be Vanderbilt's best player?
May 06, 2020 22:15 - 1 hourChris Lee and Seabass dive into that, what VU's rotation would look like with the Arizona State transfer, and the complication that could get in the way of White coming. The two also hit some football-related issues arising from the COVID-19 cancellation of spring practice, and a lot more in a 1:16 podcast.
Potential problems with a spring college football season
May 05, 2020 14:33 - 39 minutesGeorge Plaster and Chris Lee discuss some of the issues that could come if college football were moved to the spring, and end the show with a discussion of Vanderbilt's resistance to involving folks who understand athletics into the athletics decision-making process.
Romello White to Vanderbilt?
May 04, 2020 20:13 - 40 minutesThe Arizona State forward is transferring, and the Commodores seem to be the favorite. Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss the roster impact of that, discuss an alternate world of SEC-only football this fall and then dive into some recent picks in the VandySports 100.
Does Vanderbilt have a 2021 NFL first-rounder?
May 01, 2020 20:35 - 1 hourThe answer may surprise you; it surprised Chris Lee and Seabass, who also discuss the outcome of the 2020 NFL Draft and talk about the NCAA's image-and-likeness statement from this week.
"Amateurism"
April 30, 2020 15:27 - 31 minutesChris Lee and George Plaster discuss the NCAA's announcement that it's taking steps towards allowing players to be paid for use of their image and likeness.
Tampa's a great landing spot for Ke'Shawn Vaughn
April 27, 2020 19:24 - 48 minutesRunning back Ke'Shawn Vaughn lands in Tampa Bay, which is about as ideal a spot for him as he could hope for, for reasons Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss. Why didn't Kalija Lipscomb and Jared Pinkney get picked? They break that down also, as well as discuss two interesting Vanderbilt stories that Mitch has recently written at The Athletic.
Hoops recruiting update, and a look at playing time competition for 2020-21
April 26, 2020 20:21 - 1 hourChris Lee and David Sisk talk for 1:10 about Vanderbilt and Southeastern Conference basketball. Topics include whether Vanderbilt adds another player this spring, whether Saben Lee or Isaac McBride will be on the roster next year, which freshmen can have an impact (and have the best chance of starting), an analysis of recent commitment Akeem Odusipe, how VU's class compares with the SEC, and a discussion of Jeff Goodman's top-50 forecast for next season, which includes nine SEC teams.
NFL Draft preview, and the Seabass mailbag
April 23, 2020 22:05 - 1 hourChris Lee and Seabass talk about the Big Three and the upcoming NFL Draft, especially as it pertains to Ke'Shawn Vaughn. The two take a litany of mailbag questions covering other sports in a 1:09 podcast.
Vanderbilt and the 2020 MLB Draft
April 21, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutesChris Lee and New York Dore do an exhaustive breakdown of what the 2021 baseball roster could look like after the draft is over. Is Tyler Brown really returning to VU? Who might come back if the draft is five rounds, but not if it's 10? And will Jayson Gonzalez come back after missing 2020? The two tackle those topics, and more.
Financial ramifications from COVID-19 hit VU, and more are coming
April 20, 2020 15:22 - 35 minutesVU interim chancellor Susan Wente announced a $30 million budget shortfall for the academic year. What does that mean for campus and for sports? And when will football start again, and what happens if that's not until the spring? George Plaster and Chris Lee wade through the uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 virus and ensuing quarantine.
How might the 2021 baseball roster look?
April 17, 2020 13:43 - 50 minutesChris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss Vandy's short 2020 baseball season, and then dive into the 2021 roster. How might the draft affect VU next year? What current players and commitments could go pro? What are the wild cards with next season? The two address that, and more, in a 50-minute episode.
Sizing up the wide receiver corps, next year's hoops roster, and G League developments
April 16, 2020 14:28 - 1 hourChris Lee and Seabass discuss the wide receiver group now that C.J. Bolar is in the transfer portal, and players who could benefit from Bolar's departure. The two also talk at length about next year's basketball roster, and the potential ramifications for VU if top hoops recruits start bypassing college for the G League.
Losing C.J. Bolar, and other football thoughts
April 14, 2020 07:00 - 31 minutesMitch Light and Chris Lee react to the loss of C.J. Bolar, the receiver who hit the transfer portal on Monday. The two also talk about Tyrin Lawrence and have some thoughts about the latest picks to the VandySports 100.
What does Vanderbilt University really care about?
April 13, 2020 15:28 - 58 minutesChris Lee and George Plaster discuss the general sports climate (and some games they've re-watched during the pandemic) for 20 minutes before jumping into Vanderbilt talk. Today's primary topic is how VU is ignoring its own student newspaper and the changes in how the school has approached its priorities in recent years. Also, what was the purpose behind Candice Lee's appearance on social media last week? Those are some of the topics on Monday's 58-minute episode.
The state of hoops and hoops recruiting
April 10, 2020 01:24 - 1 hourVandySports recruiting analyst David Sisk joins us to discuss the state of Vanderbilt basketball and recruiting. Topics include the Tyrin Lawrence addition on Thursday, reconciling large differences of opinion on Myles Stute, the enigma of Isaac McBride, recruiting targets left on the board in this cycle, potential changes in how coach Jerry Stackhouse recruits, facilities issues and more. We've got just about all you need to know in a one-hour, 15-minute episode.