[Tuck4Bama]

One benefit of Vanderbilt's open date this past weekend was the time off it afforded Commodore quarterback Chris Nickson.

At least, that's the hope of the coaching staff heading into Saturday's nonconference matchup with Eastern Michigan. Nickson had been nursing a thigh and a shoulder injury for the last couple of weeks.

"Hopefully (he could) get completely well and not even have to think about injuries any more," Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson said, while acknowledging Nickson won't dwell on his aches and pains.

"He wants to practice every day. (Quarterbacks coach Jimmy) Kiser made a very good comment when he said 'Chris thinks work fixes everything.' He's going to go out and if he's hurt, he wants to work through it and try to get better while he's healing up."

Despite playing just a half against Alabama, Nickson has completed 60.3 percent (41-of-6 of his passes for 551 yards and four TDs with one interception. Through three games last year, he completed 51.3 percent (38-of 74) of his attempts for 373 yards, two TDs and three interceptions.

Bye week allows Nickson to rest - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 09/26/07