Vanderbilt coach James Franklin is doused by linebacker Chase Garnham (36) after they defeated Houston 41-24 in the BBVA Compass Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Birmingham, Ala.BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Nine wins are suddenly the norm for Vanderbilt football, but can the Commodores keep the architect?
The Commodores earned a second consecutive 9-4 record by pulling away from Houston 41-24 Saturday afternoon in the eighth annual BBVA Compass Bowl at Legion Field. Franklin is 24-15 in three seasons at Vanderbilt, the highest three-year total for the program since the late 1920s.
“These nine-win seasons and bowl games are becoming really fun!” Franklin shouted to the jubilant Commodores faithful during the trophy ceremony.
Franklin has been mentioned recently as a candidate at Texas and at Penn State, with a report late last week claiming he would be interviewing at Penn State today. There were reports Saturday that Texas was closing in on Louisville’s Charlie Strong and that Penn State had targeted Miami’s Al Golden, but there quickly became speculation that Franklin could be pursued by Miami should Golden exit.
In the news conference after the game, Franklin was asked about being mentioned for openings and sounded like someone who would be back for a fourth season in Nashville.