Vandy's Franklin busy off-field building traditions - WSMV Channel 4

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Before James Franklin arrived, Vanderbilt didn't have much football tradition when compared to the rest of the Southeastern Conference.

Alabama fans cheer "Roll Tide," while the Arkansas faithful call the hogs. Tennessee's "Rocky Top" is the song everyone not wearing orange loves to hate. There's the Gator chomp at Florida, tailgating in the Grove at Mississippi, cow bells clanking at Mississippi State and a rooster crowing at South Carolina.

The Commodores host the No. 9 Gamecocks on Thursday.

While preparing for that game, Franklin also has been rallying both players and fans.

Each player must know, and sing, the fight song. The Commodores join the student section singing the alma mater, and flashing the thumb and first two fingers for "VU" is their own high five.

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