Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest, Vanderbilt Agree To Seven-Game Football Series
9/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 18, 2006
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest and Vanderbilt have entered into a seven-game football series that begins next season, both universities announced Monday.
The schools will play every year through 2014 except for 2009. The game will serve as the regular season finale throughout the length of the series. The first game in the series will be Nov. 24, 2007 in Nashville.
"This is a natural series for us," Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman said. "Vanderbilt plays in a major conference, the SEC, and they are a similar institution to us. They are also close enough for our fans to travel to the games played in Nashville. This could develop into an excellent rivalry which is the reason we signed a long contract."
"I am excited to be playing this series," Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe said. "Our coaches have the utmost respect for the Vanderbilt coaches and their program. This game should develop into a healthy rivalry between two great conferences and schools."
"We're delighted with this announcement. Our universities have much in common. We expect this series to develop into a healthy and entertaining rivalry," David Williams II, Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for University Affairs, said.
"We were able to accomplish several scheduling goals with this series," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "We are creating an important non-conference relationship with a university that holds similar ideals as Vanderbilt. At the same time, Coach Grobe and the entire Wake Forest football staff do a great job with their program. They are highly competitive in one of the nation's most competitive conferences."
Vanderbilt and Wake Forest have a gridiron history that dates to 1964, with the Commodores hold a 7-3 advantage. The teams met in last year's season opener at Groves Stadium, a 24-20 win for Vanderbilt.
