This is a new one.

Generally, Southeastern Conference football teams don't feel the need to ask their fans to come out and support them in important games.

But at the request of the football team, we would just like to encourage everyone to get to the Ole Miss game before kickoff. We realize that everyone wants to go tailgate with their parents and have a great time on Saturday afternoon, but do your best to get there and be loud early.

This game is really big for the guys, and fan support will have an enormous effect on whether they win or lose. If you went to the Auburn game last season, you know what sort of an impact a raucous homefield advantage can have. In our years of going to Vanderbilt football games, that crowd was far and away the best ever, helping the Commodores to a thrilling 14-13 win.

I think that anyone on the football team would tell you that the crowd last year was a large part of why they won, so get to the game by 5:45 p.m., bring your parents to see Southeastern Conference football, be loud, go crazy and help our team get a win.

Co-captain Bradley Vierling mentioned the importance of fan support several times after practice this week.

"We're 0-2 in the SEC right now so number one, you want to get an SEC win," Vierling said. "Next it's against Ole Miss which is a rivalry for us. We've beaten them the last two years and we definitely want to make it three."

"It's a big game for us. We want the fans to be out there. We want the student section to be filled."

We asked Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson what he would say to students who were considering skipping out on this one.

"You've got a great chance to see a great game," Johnson said. "It's also your school. These guys are working hard and trying to get out and represent Vanderbilt. It'd be a big help. We ask for their help."

You heard the man. Make it happen.