[Tuck4Bama]

After an open date Saturday, Vanderbilt kicked things up a notch Sunday in their preparation for next weekend's matchup with visiting Eastern Michigan.

"We got a chance to look at them last week," Commodores Coach Bobby Johnson said of the Eagles, who defeated NCAA Division I FCS competitor Howard 38-15 Saturday, for their second straight win after opening with back-to-back losses to Pittsburgh and Ball State.

"We got a chance to get out on the road recruiting and we... had a little more physical practice than we normally do on Sunday," Johnson said. "We feel like we're a little ahead of the game."
Eastern Michigan, a member of the Mid-American Conference, is the typical Midwestern college football team from a size standpoint, according to Johnson.

"They've got some physical defensive linemen," he said. "They're big guys but very mobile. They're a typical MAC type of team. They'll give us a good test.

"(Offensively) they spread you out, run zone option and all those kinds of things. One mental error and you're in trouble against their offense. They certainly got our attention, scoring 38 (Saturday)."

Vandy staff puts time off to good use - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 09/24/07