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Rapid Reaction: Finally! Vanderbilt gets first win of the season against Northern Illinois
By SDS Staff
Published:
The Vanderbilt Commodores picked up their first win of the season over Northern Illinois 24-18. The Commodores improved to 1-3, while the Huskies fell to 1-3.
Vanderbilt got off to a hot start in the first half and scored two quick touchdowns on its first two drives. Freshman Keyon Brooks got the party started with a 61-yard TD run.
Keyon Brooks 61 yards to the house!!! #Vandy pic.twitter.com/K2lXoR67n3
— #BusinessAintBoomin (@ftbeard_17) September 28, 2019
The very next drive, Ke’Shawn Vaughn punched it in to make it 14-0, but things got quiet after that. The Commodores took the 14-0 lead into halftime.
The second half, however, was different. Northern Illinois kicked a field goal on its first drive, and scored a touchdown on its very next drive to cut the lead to 14-10.
The turning point in the game, however, came when Riley Neal hit Kalija Lipscomb on a flea-flicker for the 38-yard touchdown pass.
Offense wakes up with a flea flicker.
Vaughn pitches the ball back to Neal, who throws a 38 yard touchdown to a wide open Kalija Lipscomb.
21-10 Vanderbilt lead. pic.twitter.com/DsPDXLOzIK
— Vandy Hustler Sports (@vuhustlersports) September 28, 2019
Despite a late push by the Huskies, Vanderbilt’s defense held on to preserve the 24-18 win.
Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn finished with 17 carries for 138 yards and one touchdown. Riley Neal finished 21-of-28 for 189 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Kalija Lipscomb caught seven passes for 94 yards and one touchdown.
Vanderbilt travels to Ole Miss next Saturday to take on the Rebels. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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