College GameDay Returns to Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt will host ESPN’s College GameDay Saturday for the first time since 2008 as the No. 10 Commodores (6-1), buoyed by quarterback Diego Pavia and a program turnaround, prepare to face No. 15 Missouri. ESPN crews are building the GameDay stage on campus and the broadcast will include Pat McAfee’s 33-yard field-goal contest, which has paid roughly $1.85 million this season and has students hoping to win. To boost those chances, Vanderbilt kicker Brock Taylor and punter Nick Haberer hosted a kicking clinic that drew about 100 students, an effort originated by the student paper and praised by coach Clark Lea as evidence of campus community. Nashville’s Pancake Pantry was selected as the show’s guest chef and will serve a local spread including sweet potato pancakes (a reported Taylor Swift favorite) and other regional items. The combination of on-field success, student engagement and local flavor underscores the high profile of GameDay’s return to Vanderbilt.