The Vanderbilt Commodores were running just behind UConn until South Carolina proved why it is a national powerhouse. But with a bigger issue at hand, Shea Ralph’s squad stays put in Columbia.

The Vanderbilts were progressing smoothly this season. They managed a 20-0 before losing to the Gamecocks by 103-74 on the 25^th. Leaving the loss in the past, they should be moving to Oxford to face Ole Miss on the 29th. However, a winter storm changed the Commodores’ plan.

The storm hit over the weekend and impacted Nashville, Columbia and Oxford largely. The flights to and from Nashville were cancelled. The area faced issues like power outages, dangerous weather and terrible road conditions. And that ultimately stopped the Commodores from making a solid return plan to Nashville.

To make things worse, the storm hit Oxford the hardest. The severe weather and road conditions caused the city to give a shelter-in-place order on the 25^th. So, Vanderbilt cannot make it to Oxford just yet either. Even a match that was scheduled between Ole Miss and Tennessee on the 26th was postponed.

So, the team’s current activities remain unclear. And Coach Shea Ralph couldn’t give a certain answer either.

“We left early. We didn't know if we were going to play today, if we were going to play later, if we were going to try to play tomorrow, but we don't control that," the HC said during Vanderbilt’s last postgame conference. "My guess is we probably won't make it home. I know that was a conversation earlier today, but I don't know that yet."

So, if they are not heading to Nashville, there is only one way to go.

Vanderbilt vs Ole Miss Is Not Postponed

The uncertain travel plan and severe weather conditions have not changed the schedule yet. The Commodores are still set to play Ole Miss on the 29^th. And that works out in Ole Miss’s favour. They did not have to play against Tennessee. So there is more time to rest before playing Vanderbilt.

As for Vanderbilt, the situation is not much in favour. They don't have a solid lead, and had to cancel classes on Jan 26 due to the storm. And rather than competitive advantage, it did quite the contrary.

With little recovery time and limited practice, Shea Ralph’s team faces nothing short of a battle. Combined with the Jan 25 loss to South Carolina and ongoing travel issues, it could be difficult for Vanderbilt to regain momentum.

If the match happens, will it end in their favour? Are you rooting for them?

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Joyita Das