What Tech fans need to know about Vanderbilt

• Vanderbilt on offense: In what could be good news for Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt has shown some of the same offensive tendencies as Virginia, the Jackets' opponent last week. The Commodores' passing game is dreadful, with quarterback Larry Smith throwing seven interceptions, opposed to two touchdowns. Vandy has shown a respectable ground game, led by running back Warren Norman, who is averaging 5.7 yards a carry. Vandy hasn't scored more than 10 points in a conference game this season and lost its chance to beat the Gamecocks last Saturday when Smith was called for intentional grounding on Vandy's final drive.

• Vanderbilt on defense: The Commodores' defense is keeping the team in games. Vandy is giving up just 320 yards a game. But just last game, Vandy allowed a 99-yard drive in the fourth quarter by the Gamecocks that decided that game. The team is giving up an average 164.1 rushing yards per game on 3.9 yards per carry, both respectable numbers.

• Vanderbilt on special teams: Norman is a dangerous returner. He had a 99-yarder last week, his second for a score this season. Overall, Vandy averages 24.2 yards per return. Tech return specialist Jerrard Tarrant may get some chances because the Commodores' punt coverage team allows 8.5 yards per return.

• What you need to know: The Commodores are scoring on just 64 percent of their red zone possessions, 113th out of Division I-A's 120 teams.

• What you may not know: It's something parents with college kids may approve of: all undergrad students at Vanderbilt must live on campus, unless they are living with relatives in Davidson County.

• Coach: Bobby Johnson is 29-62 in eight seasons at Vanderbilt; 89-98 overall in 16 years as a head coach.

• More on the web: Vanderbilt Athletics