James Franklin hurls Vanderbilt mascot into postgame victory scrum

For the first time ever, Vanderbilt is going to bowl games in back-to-back seasons. Coach James Franklin has been the man most responsible for both of those trips (in addition to his side gig as Thanksgiving homecoming delayer), but Vandy mascot Mr. Commodore (first name: Vanderbilt, we all hope) is the one who’s witnessed all those non-bowl years. So Franklin got Mr. C involved.

5:31: Franklin spots a swaggering and unaware Mr. C and immediately breaks from an embrace to go acquire the mascot.

5:32: Camera bro dodges the excitable coach. Franklin goes for an arm yank/shoulder-to-trunk combo.

5:33: Not the best mascot-hoisting form. Lift with your legs, coach.

5:34: COMMODORE AHOY

5:35: TARGET OBTAINED

5:36: Mr. C appears to be throwing up. Throwing up inside a mascot head might be the very worst thing that could ever happen to a person. Really think about it.

5:42: There’s no escape now.

5:44: Every mascot’s dream of all dreams.

5:45: Maybe the first time we’ve ever had to test to see which protocol takes precedence: the MASCOT DOWN alert or the COACH DOWN alert.

5:46: It was the MASCOT DOWN alert.

5:53: Franklin still missing.

6:33: Franklin has survived. Mr. C now missing.

Later in the week, Franklin explained the resourceful celebration:

“Mr. Commodore was there,” Franklin said during the SEC coaches teleconference this week. “I threw him over my shoulder and ran him about 50 yards. I threw him into the players and he started jumping around with us. It was awesome. I am a passionate guy. I have fun with my players. We enjoy winning around here.”

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