The Commodore offense got a cure in the form of the Rice defense.
After mustering just 372 yards of offense combined against LSU and Mississippi State, Vanderbilt exploded for 508 yards in a 36-17 victory over the Owls Saturday night.
John Cole got things started with a 31-yard rush for a touchdown, but things were still tied at 10-10 at halftime.
Vanderbilt drove for a 33-yard field goal from Ryan Fowler in the third quarter and then got a touchdown from quarterback Larry Smith on a 6-yard keeper to go up 20-10.
Vanderbilt RB Warren Norman beats Rice corner Chris Jones to score a 58-yard touchdown. ARIEL SHNITZER // Rice Thrasher.
Norman led the team with 116 yards on the ground and scored his third touchdown of the year.
Kennard Reeves rushed for an 11-yard touchdown, one play after going for 22 yards, to put the game out of reach.
Smith finished with 271 yards passing, easily surpassing his previous career high. The highlight was a deep pass down the left sideline to Udom Umoh for 55 yards to set up Smith’s keeper in the third quarter.
The Owls were held to just 279 total yards and Rice quarterbacks were picked off four times. Linebacker Patrick Benoist got his first career interception in the first half to end a Rice drive.
Myron Lewis had two interceptions in the second half, his first two picks of the year, to give him eight for his career. Eddie Foster also registered an interception.
The Commodores (2-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference)) now face Ole Miss (2-1, 0-1) on Saturday in an attempt to beat the Rebels for three consecutive years. Check back tomorrow for the the report card, game photos and more.
