It only gave up 10 points, since one Richmond touchdown came on special teams. Still, don't expect the Vanderbilt defense to be completely satisfied with its effort in a 41-17 win Saturday.

"I think we could have done much better," said cornerback D.J. Moore.

On the game's first play from scrimmage, it looked as though the defense would set the tone for an easy victory. Linebacker Marcus Buggs laid a heavy hit on Richmond quarterback Eric Ward, allowing Gabe Hall to record his first career interception.

However, the defense lacked the same sting for much of the first half as Richmond gained 201 yards and scored all its offensive points. Ward was finding his go-to target Arman Shields with relative ease.

"I wouldn't say they did anything that we didn't expect," said senior linebacker Jonathan Goff. "It just took us a little longer to really get going."

But as the game progressed, the Vanderbilt defense clamped down. In the second quarter, Goff stopped Richmond running back Tim Hightower for no gain on a fourth down play.

It wasn't until the second half, however, that the Commodores hit their stride.

"It was just a matter of buckling down," Goff said. "We didn't do a whole lot differently. It was just up to the players to execute."

Vanderbilt delivered a more crisp performance in the final 30 minutes, allowing just 109 yards for Richmond and intercepting two passes.

With Alabama on the horizon, the Dores know they have corrections to make. Everything moves a little faster in Southeastern Conference games. Alabama's speed can expose a defense's shortcomings more than the typical Football Championship Subdivision opponent will.

"I think we have to play a lot better defensively," said Moore, who had a game-high 11 tackles and a nifty interception. "Some plays, you just have breakdowns. But we need to have (fewer) mental mistakes."

It does show something about the progress of Vanderbilt football that the team can find negatives in winning a game. Still, the final outcome cannot be debated, and the Commodores were pleased with it. They are 1-0 for just the third time in the last decade,

"With the win, we're always happy we're 1-0," said Goff, who recorded an acrobatic interception after dropping back in coverage. "We don't want to take away from that. We did win the ballgame. But we will come back tomorrow, look at the film, and make the necessary corrections."