Vandy program on upswing as it faces Houston

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt is changing its reputation.

Just ask Houston coach Tony Levine, who said Friday, “Vanderbilt football has got a great name,” even in football-crazed Texas.

Vanderbilt will be playing for consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time in school history when the Commodores play Houston today in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Vandy is appearing in a bowl game for the third straight season – another first for the program.

Vanderbilt set yet another first by beating Florida, Georgia and Tennessee in the same season. The emergence of the Commodores has made another “great name” in coach James Franklin, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate in several openings, including Penn State, Texas and with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Franklin has tried to keep the focus on the game today and on Friday wouldn’t confirm or deny reports that he will interview with Penn State on Sunday.

Vanderbilt closed the regular season with four straight wins.