Vanderbilt Downs Eastern Michigan 30-7

Sept. 29, 2007

COMMODORE POST-GAME COVERAGE

DefenseGAME BALL Vanderbilt’s defense held Eastern Michigan to just seven points on 173 yards of total offense. The seven points given up by Vanderbilt’s defense was the fewest since defeating Eastern Kentucky 19-7 on Oct. 23, 2004. Vanderbilt held EMU scoreless in the first half, which marked the first time the Commodores shutout an opponent in the first half since Nov. 13, 2004 against Kentucky. Helping its defensive cause, VU forced six turnovers with five interceptions and a fumble recovery. The five interceptions were the most by the ‘Dores since also having five on Nov. 13, 1993 against Navy. “I’m extremely happy with the defense,” head coach Bobby Johnson said. “I thought they played very well. We played the run extremely well and we played the pass well.” THREE’S COMPANY With the win over the Eagles, the Commodores earned their third win at home for the first time since 1993. The third win also marks the first time since 1984 that VU has won three of its first four home games. HISTORY MAKERS The three wins in the month of September marks the quickest Vanderbilt has reached three home wins in school history. The three wins in September also mark the first time VU has had three home wins in the same month since winning all three home games in the month of November in 1982. The ‘Dores won all four games played during that month. BENNETT WATCH Junior wide receiver Earl Bennett collected nine catches for 93 yards and one touchdown against the Eagles. He now needs just 11 catches and 603 yards to become the SEC’s all-time leader in career receptions and receiving yardage. ATTENDANCE RISING Saturday’s attendance of 37,220 moved Vanderbilt’s season average to 35,847 through four home games. This season’s average currently ranks as Vanderbilt’s second highest mark in the last seven seasons. Vanderbilt averaged 36,031 in 2005.

Audio: Coach Johnson’s Press Conference

Audio: 104.5 Play of Game – Moore’s TD

Game Photo Gallery | Vandyville Photos

Season Stats | Quotes | Notes | Box Score

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Earl Bennett caught nine passes for 93 yards and a touchdown to lead Vanderbilt’s 30-7 rout of Eastern Michigan on Saturday night.

Vanderbilt (3-1) forced a season-high five turnovers. The Eagles (2-3, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) managed just 173 total offensive yards and lost to an SEC school for the third-straight time since 2001 to snap their two-game winning streak.

Bennett electrified a rowdy crowd of 37,220 with a 47-yard touchdown reception from Chris Nickson to give the Commodores an early 10-0 lead. The two-time All-SEC receiver closed within 10 catches of breaking the SEC career record for receptions, held by Kentucky’s Craig Yeast with 208.

Andy Schmitt was 13-for-24 with 111 yards passing for Eastern Michigan, which didn’t cross midfield until halfway through the third quarter. Schmitt threw four interceptions, including one that D.J. Moore returned 24 yards for a touchdown to blow the game open 27-7.

Travis Lewis caught a 14-yard touchdown pass and Ken Bohnet added another 39 yards receiving for the Eagles, who abandoned the running game after just 8 yards on the ground in the first half.

Nickson was 14-for-28 with 168 yards passing to go along with two passing touchdowns.