Vanderbilt Rolls Kentucky, 38-8, Sits One Win Away From Bowl Eligibility

by Christian D'Andrea on Nov 12, 2011 3:37 PM EST in Vanderbilt Commodores Football

Vanderbilt was a double-digit betting favorite in a SEC matchup for the first time in decades. They proved Vegas right with a big time showing against Kentucky.

The Commodores stomped the Wildcats 38-8 to improve to 5-5 overall and 2-5 in the SEC. The game, which was the home finale for players like Chris Marve and Casey Hayward, was one of Vanderbilt's most impressive performances of the season. The team held Kentucky to just 220 yards and 0-11 on third down for the game.

Vandy came out strong, scoring the game's first 31 points and sending scores of UK fans away from Dudley Field at halftime. Zac Stacy sandwiched a pair of scores around a Chris Boyd touchdown catch to give the team a 21-0 edge midway through the second quarter. The team had a chance to push their lead even further after Archibald Barnes stole Mychal Bailey's soul with a crushing, fumble-causing hit on a kickoff return with 39 seconds to play in the half. Unfortunately, time ran out on the 'Dores before they could pad their lead.

Jordan Rodgers hit Jordan Matthews on a 49-yard screen pass to give Vandy a 31-0 lead. Kentucky responded with a 79 yard touchdown drive and two-point conversion, but that was the bulk of the offense they'd muster for the game.

Stacy capped the team's scoring with an 18 yard touchdown run with 7:41 left to play. The junior met two defenders at the 10 yard line and dragged seven Kentucky players into the endzone in an impressive, top ten worthy effort. The team brought out their seniors for the waning minutes of the game, giving Larry Smith the opportunity to close out his career at Dudley Field with some solid running plays.

Rodgers, Stacy, and Matthews continued to be Vanderbilt's big three on offense. Rodgers finished with over 200 yards passing for the third straight game, while Stacy and Matthews both gained over 100 yards rushing and receiving, respectively. Matthews has caught 21 passes and gained 452 yards to go with three touchdowns in his last three games.

The win gives the Commodores a ton of momentum for their I-40 rivalry showdown with Tennessee next week. A win in Knoxville will make Vanderbilt bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. The Volunteers are still looking for their first SEC win and will be jumping at the opportunity to cut down their in-state rivals at home.

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Impressive

I go back to the beginning of the year when it looked like 4 wins would be a good year and give us a chance to keep our recruits. CJF is amazing and this team is fun to watch. I was sitting with a buddy who is a Kentucky fan and started to feel sorry for him. I got over it very quickly.

by Smoke n Mirrors on Nov 12, 2011 4:51 PM EST reply actions

I'll take it!

What a weekend to be a Vandy fan. A solid victory for the Memorial Maniacs last night and another home victory for the ‘Death Star’ this afternoon. Now lets get focused and remind UT (and the rest of the nation for that matter) what we’re capable of!
Go ’Dores … Anchor Down!!!!

by jfreudenthal on Nov 12, 2011 7:47 PM EST reply actions

Obviously anyone who thought Larry was a better choice over Jordan (and I was one of them) was incredibly wrong. But it was cool for the crowd to send out Larry that way.

And the players notice. Several of the players on the sideline were really pumped by that. It was a cool thing.

by The Goche on Nov 12, 2011 10:10 PM EST reply actions

Great curtain call for a good guy.

by doredarling on Nov 12, 2011 11:12 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

If you can’t be proud of Larry Smith, there is something wrong with you.

The guy has every reason to be bitter. He was a three year starter coming in to this season. The fans have been clamoring for someone else to replace him since Jordan Rodgers stepped onto campus before the start of last season. Instead, he’s right there beside Coach Franklin, Josh Grady, and Kris Kentera every single play. He’s the first one to congratulate anyone for doing something great on the field, especially Jordan Rodgers. He’s constantly cheering for this team, for this school. Anyone who has ever met him will tell you that he is just a fantastic human being.

Thank You Larry. You’re one of the special ones.

Anchor of Gold
Twitter: AOG/JAWiv
Facebook: AOG

by KingJamesIV on Nov 13, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

THIS THIS THIS

LS has been the model of what a Vandy player should be. He is one of the toughest SOBs on the team. He took a beating and took it without complaint for three years. While JRod has been a great change, the O-Line has been the key to our success.

Vandy Fan. Yankee by birth, Southern by choice.
The Twitterz Tag
Remember the 5!

by VUfanInNJ on Nov 14, 2011 8:19 AM EST up reply actions

PLEASE beat Tennessee, Commodores.

As I’m sure most Nashvillians do, I sit in an office full of Tennessee fans.

I would really really love for the ’dores to become bowl eligible in Knoxville.

by hartley on Nov 13, 2011 10:47 AM EST reply actions

Kentucky game

Easily the best game for the Commodores since the Mississippi game. Hey, we have had several great games this year. No reason we can’t win the next one.

by vujoe on Nov 13, 2011 5:01 PM EST reply actions