Vanderbilt 38, Tennessee State 9

September 23, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The first meeting between Tennessee State and Vanderbilt sat through three delays before kicking off 40 minutes late due to lightning in the area. The announced crowd of 27,460 watched on as the Commodores took advantage of two TSU interceptions and a kick-off return fumble, to score 21 points in a 2:15 span at the end of the third quarter and into the start of the fourth, as they posted a 38-9 victory over the Tigers.

Vanderbilt controlled the play in the first quarter, holding the Tigers to -17 yards. The Big Blue defense held tough on the first two Commodore possessions, forcing a missed field goal and a turnover on downs. Vanderbilt would finally convert on the great field position scoring on their next two series to take a 10-0 lead with 11:24 remaining in the first half.

The TSU offense would come to life moving the ball 65 yards before being stopped short on a fourth and two play, at the Vanderbilt 18. Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie would intercept Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson on the Commodores first play, at the 39 yard line and return it 26 yards to the 13. The Rodgers-Cromartie interception, his fourth on the season, would set-up a 25-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Eric Benson to cut the lead to 10-3 at the half.

TSU out gained the Vanderbilt offense 84 to 24 in total yardage during the second quarter.

The lone touchdown for the Big Blue came with 9:49 left in the fourth quarter as they drove 80 yards on eight plays. Sophomore quarterback Antonio Heffner capped off the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Chris Johnson.

Tennessee State (2-2) will face Florida A&M (2-2) at the Atlanta Classic on Saturday, September 30th. Kick-off in the Georgia Dome is set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time.