University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Falls To Vanderbilt In Season Opener
Sept. 1, 2007
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Earl Bennett caught three touchdown passes to lead Vanderbilt to a season-opening 41-17 victory over Richmond on Saturday night.
The All-Southeastern Conference wide receiver, who began the season 48 catches away from becoming the league's all-time career leader, finished with 13 receptions for a school-record 223 yards.
Richmond went ahead 3-0 with 6:31 remaining in the first half on a 22-year field goal by Andrew Howard.
Vanderbilt answered when tailback Jeff Jennings scored on a 4-yard run, making it 7-3. The short drive was set up by a 63-year kickoff return by D.J. Moore.
Trailing 31-10 in the third quarter, the Spiders stayed close when Justin Rogers returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 31-17.
The Commodores responded when Nickson connected with tailback Jeff Jennings for a 3-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 38-17.