Comedian Nate Bargatze is a self-described long-suffering Vanderbilt Commodores fan. And it’s really easy to believe him, since no college football fan would willingly admit (or chose) rooting for Vandy unless they were born into such misfortune.
The Commodores haven’t won the SEC in a century. The program’s all-time record is well below .500 (613-648-50). They haven’t won more than six games in a season in a decade. They’ve had twice as many head coaches (18) as bowl game appearances since 1944.
But the days of serving as the SEC’s laughingstock are over now, according to Bargatze, because the Oklahoma Sooners are joining the conference next year to take their place.
Bargatze was on ESPN’s College GameDay as the celebrity guest picker Saturday and anointed Oklahoma the new Vanderbilt while predicting an Oklahoma State win in Saturday’s Bedlam game.
Vandy fan and @CollegeGameDay guest picker Nate Bargatze: “Oklahoma is in for a rude awakening when they come to the SEC. They’re gonna be the new Vanderbilt” pic.twitter.com/wbpRC3jNwt
— Longhorn Republic (@LonghornPod) November 4, 2023
Which brings up a fascinating hypothetical: Would you rather root for the SEC’s least relevant team — a program generally as appetizing as an unfrosted Pop-Tart — or cheer on a perennial contender in a lesser conference?
Either way, Bargatze might not be welcome in Norman, Oklahoma for awhile.
Nate Brigatze just called OU the next Vandy when they join the SEC. Comedian has some jokes
— Joe Castiglione Jr. (@JoeCJr29) November 4, 2023
Who is the 🤡on @CollegeGameDay calling OU the next Vandy? 😂
— Chas4OU (@chasredmn) November 4, 2023
Nate Bargatze is dead to me and I wish him nothing but ill. https://t.co/DxbNq4aM1S
— The Queso (@thequeso) November 4, 2023
I’m just happy the academics will apparently improve a lot https://t.co/BQcHmI58Zh
— Like Woody (@PaytonGlen) November 4, 2023
For once, Nate’s not joking. https://t.co/QK3TpeHxdX
— Dawg Sports (@dawgsports) November 4, 2023
