Rapid Reaction: Vanderbilt defense paves way for first win of season
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The Commodores may not have lit up the scoreboard against Middle Tennessee State, but a strong defensive showing paved the way for a solid win to begin the 2018 season.
The MTSU Blue Raiders put together an impressive 15-play, 93-yard drive with their second possession to tie the game at seven. After that, it was all Vandy.
On the ensuing MTSU possession, the Commodores defense forced a fumble that was scooped up by Dayo Odeyingbo and returned for a touchdown. The next five possessions for MTSU resulted in four punts and a missed field goal as the Commodores steadily increased their lead.
Vanderbilt scored 28 unanswered points after the touchdown by the Blue Raiders to gain control of the contest. The Commodores offense was not overpowering, but they were efficient while protecting the ball.
QB Kyle Shurmur led Vanderbilt offensively with 170 yards and 2 TDs while completing 10-of-17 passes. WR Kalija Lipscomb was Shurmur’s go-to target with four catches for 60 yards and a TD. On the ground, sophomore RB Jamauri Wakefield led the way with 10 carries for 56 yards and a TD. Khari Blasingame also added nine carries for 52 yards and a score.
In the end, the Commodores stifled the Blue Raiders and limited MTSU to just 294 yards of total offense. Vanderbilt also forced two turnovers, including an interception by DB Frank Coppet when the Blue Raiders were in the red zone.
Vanderbilt does have a tough schedule ahead this season with plenty of areas to improve on moving forward. Still, it always feels good to notch a win in the first game of the season.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
