Vanderbilt did not look like a team that named its starting quarterback two days ago.
Led by recently named starter Chris Nickson’s three-touchdown performance, Vanderbilt (1-0) rolled to a 34-13 win over Miami (Ohio) Thursday night.
Helping clear the way for Nickson was a brand-new offensive line for Vanderbilt. With zero combined starts in 2007, the untested group looked to use Thursday’s game as a productive starting point. According to Nickson, the line answered in fine fashion.
“The line has been doing a great job. They’re maturing,” said the senior quarterback. “Tonight was a stepping stone, and seeing that they can work together — that was a big part of our win tonight.”
Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson agreed.
“As far as answering the bell, they competed and did a good job in pass protection. I think we can play better there, but they did well tonight,” said Johnson.
The Commodore defense also had a productive night, with junior D.J. Moore leading the way with a sack, forced fumble and an interception, all in the first quarter. Miami quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh had trouble with the Vandy secondary all game, throwing two interceptions in the first half and one on the final drive. The Vanderbilt defensive line added three sacks.
Miami head coach Shane Montgomery expected a challenge with the Vanderbilt defense.
“We new they would be tough defensively. Being an SEC team, you know they have quality athletes and they showed that tonight,” said Montgomery.
The incomparable Moore added a 91-yard punt return that set up a touchdown in the first half.
“D.J.’s just a natural,” Johnson said. “He’s in fantastic shape, he worked extremely hard during the summer and I always ask him if he’s tired and he always smiles, shakes his head and says, ‘no.’”
In addition to an effective showing from the offense and defense, special teams stepped up when the Commodores needed it. Senior kicker Bryant Hahnfeldt was two-for-two from field goal range, helping the Commodores end the night with a perfect 6-6 in red zone scoring. Coach Johnson was pleased with how both Hahnfeldt and junior punter Brett Upson started their seasons.
“I thought Bryant kicked the ball really well and Upson did a great job of getting the ball out of bounds. I think both of their hard work from the off-season really paid off.”
After opening the season with a road win for the first time in three years, the Commodores will look to build on the momentum next week when Southeastern Conference rival South Carolina (1-0) comes to town.
