This is a welcomed validation that the NCAA believes we are on the right path with our academic game plan.

This will basically be a top-20 team, at least. That program has been to Final Fours, so they're good and we know that.

It means a great deal. For three hours, Middle Tennessee will be talked about, it will be seen. We'll be the only college football game that day, so we'll get nationwide attention that this university has probably never had.

We won't raise $760,000 every day, but it's a thrilling start. We like every gift, but it's extra special when former players want to give back to the university. I think it shows a deep love for the people who build this program.

It is very important to give back to the community during a time of need. Our neighbors were hit very hard. Being able to see the damage on television, you can see how much damage was done and how many people need assistance. We feel very blessed to be able to offer our assistance.

That is a good day for us. It's not something we want to do all the time, but this opportunity was too good. We had to go ahead and take advantage of it.

We are hopeful to schedule more games in the future with Vanderbilt. As of right now, we do not have a replacement but are exploring different possibilities for 2006.

We're looking at later dates and trying to get a multi-game contract together. I've said for a long time that this is a great series that we need to continue.

It is a challenging schedule and one our players will be excited to play. I am glad we have resolution so our fans and coaches can begin to make plans for the upcoming season.