Though some SEC fans may not recognized it, the Vanderbilt football program experienced success and relevance long before former coach James Franklin came to Nashville.

In fact, Franklin is nowhere near the best coach to have taken the Vanderbilt job. And he didn’t come close to the school records set by the hall-of-fame coach that claims that title.

That’s just one of the interesting pieces of Vanderbilt history we’ll take a look at while discussing the five Commodores records that will never be broken:

5. Frank Mordica’s big game

Former Commodores RB Frank Mordica, who was Vanderbilt’s career leading rusher until Zac Stacy came along, still holds a school rushing record that is not likely to be broken any time soon. In the midst of a disappointing 1978 season, Mordica blew Commodores fans away with his team record 321-yard, five-touchdown performance in a 41-27 win over Air Force. It is the only 300-yard rushing game in Vanderbilt history, and only one of two 200-yard games, besting the previous record set by Doug Mathews (214 yards) set in 1969.

4. Jordan Matthews’ career numbers

Perhaps the most decorated wide receiver in Vanderbilt history, Jordan Matthews set some records during his Commodores career (2010-13) that fans will be talking about for generations to come. Matthews holds not only the school record, but also the SEC record, for career receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759). Neither of those seem likely to be touched anytime soon. Matthews also holds the school’s records for career receiving touchdowns (24), single-season receptions (112) and single-season receiving yards (1,477).

3. Earl Bennett’s freshman performance

While Jordan Matthews may have topped former WR Earl Bennett in most of the Commodores receiving records, there is one record Bennett owns that not even Matthews was able to approach. Arriving on campus in 2005, Bennett was an immediate star thanks to his connection with former QB Jay Cutler. During Cutler’s senior season, Bennett shattered the Vanderbilt record for receptions by a freshman, hauling in 79 catches for 876 and nine touchdowns. The previous record holder, Boo Mitchell, is in a distant second place with 45 catches in the 1985 season.

2. Chris Gaines’ tackling records

Former Vanderbilt LB Chris Gaines had a season for the record book as a senior in 1987. The local product set a Vanderbilt record with a staggering 214 tackles in just 11 games, earning All-American honors in the process. His amazing season of tackling was highlighted by a 37-tackle performance in a 27-17 loss to Tulane.

1. Dan McGugin’s victory tally

There is a reason the building that houses Vanderbilt athletics is named The McGugin Center. Former Vanderbilt coach Dan McGugin owns the school’s record for most wins by a head coach, with 197 victories in a 30-year span from 1904-34. McGugin’s lead over Art Guepe (39-54-7) is a staggering 158 wins. Given the current climate of the SEC, there’s almost no chance a coach will enjoy that kind of longevity and sustained success at Vanderbilt.