The Commodores ran an effective two-minute drill to conclude the first half. Earl Bennett caught a one-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone on a play-action pass from quarterback Chris Nickson with 12 seconds remaining in the half.

Vanderbilt drove 71 yards on 11 plays in 2:23. Bennett now has two touchdowns for the game and 17 for his career, which is good for fourth all-time in school history.