Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 24, 1995 TAG: 9501240114
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Short
``I don't have anything in writing, but it looks like [Vanderbilt] is going to replace us,'' said Babb, refering to recent reports the Commodores were replacing NCAA Division I-AA VMI with Division I-A Louisiana Tech for their Sept.9,1995 date.
Babb said he talked to Vanderbilt's athletic director, Paul Hoolahan, on Monday and that they were negotiating a settlement.
Vanderbilt was the only I-A opponent on the Keydets' schedule, and Babb said it was crucial that VMI find a replacement.
``We might schedule a I-AA game if we can't find a suitable I-A game, but in this time frame it's tough to do that,'' Babb said. ``We need an 11th game, competitively and financially. ... It's safe to say that the type of settlement that can be reached will dictate the type of replacement game we can get.''
Speculation about Vanderbilt's change had been based on the fact that schools need six I-A victories to be considered for bowl games.
Babb added that he made finding a replacement his No.1 priority and had already compiled a list of possibilities.Hoolahan did not return phone messages seeking comment Monday.
Vanderbilt coach Rod Dowhower was also unvailable. Dowhower is in his first year after spending last season as the quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Cleveland Browns. He also has served as an assistant for the Washington Redskins (1990-93) and was head coach of the Indianapolis Colts (1985-86) and Stanford (1977-79).
by CNB