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Dores Drop A Close One To Kentucky 48-43 11/12/2005 Jay Cutler and Moses Osemwegie |
NASHVILLE — The Kentucky Wildcats put an end to Vanderbilt’s run for a bowl bid, beating the Commodores 48-43.
The game, which the SEC East cellar-dwelling Cats led by 31 points late in the third quarter, was not without fourth-quarter drama.
Commodore quarterback Jay Cutler threw three touchdown passes – all to freshman wide receiver Earl Bennett – in the final 11 minutes of the game to bring his team within five points. The ensuing onsides kick, the second in as many games for the Commodores, failed, effectively ending the game.
Bennett had a phenomenal game, catching 13 passes for 99 yards, and setting a school record with five touchdown receptions. Despite the loss, Cutler also had a strong outing, setting a school record for pass completions in a game (39), as well as attempts in a game with (66). He threw for 395 yards. Freshman tailback led the Dores on the ground with 48 yards, and accounted for the team’s other touchdown. The Black-and-Gold’s other score came early in the first quarter when freshman Bryant Hahnfeldt kicked a 33-yard field goal.
Four fumbles and a blocked field-goal attempt that run back for a touchdown largely account for the Dores’ demise.
Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Goff led the Commodores defensively, with 8.5 tackles. Senior free safety Kelechi Ohanaja recorded eight tackles, and senior cornerback Andrew Pace made an interception. Junior linebacker Kevin Joyce recovered a fumble.
Vanderbilt concludes it’s 2005 regular season next week in Knoxville, when the ‘Dores take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. CST.