Nov. 18, 2006
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NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Volunteers avenged last year’s historic loss to Vanderbilt by beating the Commodores 39-10 Saturday. The ‘Dores closed out their season with a 4-8 record. It was Vanderbilt’s second consecutive season posting at least four wins.
Wide Receiver George Smith celebrates after catching a 7-yard touchdown pass from Chris Nickson in the second quarter.
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The ‘Dores managed a 7-6 advantage in the second quarter on quarterback Chris Nickson’s 7-yard touchdown pass to George Smith. But after that it was an all-Orange day the as cross-state rival scored 33 unanswered points to secure their 8th win of the season. Vanderbilt scored on its last possession of the game when senior Patrick Johnson kicked a 21-yard field goal.
Nickson completed 10 of 23 pass attempts for 109 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Once again, Nickson’s favorite target was wide receiver Earl Bennett, who had four catches for 17 yards. Nickson, who was unable to get into a rhythm today, was the team’s leading rusher with 44 yards on 13 carries. Backup quarterback Richard Kovalcheck completed 1 pass for 12 yards in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Kevin Joyce and Ryan Hamilton led the Black-and-Gold with 6 tackles each, all solo. Hamilton also broke up a pass. Curtis Gatewood, who had 2 tackles on the day, forced a fumble and recovered it as well as recording 1 of 2 Commodore sacks on the day. Broderick Stewart made the other sack.
Today’s attendance of 39,773 represents the first sellout at Vanderbilt Stadium since the season opener against Alabama in 1999.
