Vanderbilt finds offense in win over Rice

Vanderbilt snapped out of a two-game funk with its two biggest gains of the season in a 36-17 win at Rice on Saturday night. Quarterback Larry Smith’s 54-yard pass to Udom Umoh in the third quarter led to a touchdown and lifted the Commodores to a 20-10 lead. That served as the biggest gainer until freshman tailback Warren Norman slipped free for a 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

It was an offensive spark that Vanderbilt (2-2) had been in search of since its season-opening win over Western Carolina. The Commodores totaled just 12 points and averaged 187.5 yards of offense in losses to LSU and Mississippi State.This warm Houston night rendered a different result against the reeling Owls (0-4).Smith completed 23 of 41 passes for 268 yards, and Norman rushed 11 times for 119 yards. John Cole had seven catches for 67 yards. Tied at halftime, Ryan Fowler staked the Commodores to a 13-10 lead in the third quarter following Eddie Foster’s interception deep in Rice territory.Vanderbilt’s defense did its job once again, giving the offense time and opportunities to find the end zone. But most of the chances fell by the wayside until Smith spotted Umoh streaking along the left sideline behind cornerback Chris Jammer. The deep completion put the Commodores at the Rice 10. Three plays later, Smith faked a toss left and ran right on a 6-yard keeper to make it 20-10.Rice punted the ball right back to Vanderbilt, and Norman took off running on the next play for a 27-10 lead. Vanderbilt held the Rice offense to one first down and 28 yards in the third quarter to change the game’s complexion. Norman eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the second time. Kennard Reeves added an 11-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Myron Lewis notched his seventh career interception and PatrickBenoist got his first for the Commodores.Senior tailback Jared Hawkins was sharp in his first action of the season. Hawkins, who had acortisone shot 10 days ago to ease the pain in his sprained foot, started at tailback and showed a good burst of speed in his runs.( by www.tennessean.com) The SEC Rocks!