A 75-yd touchdown run on the game's opening play set the stage for a beatdown as Vanderbilt sends Fresno State home with a 35-14 defeat.
There was no southern hospitality to be had on Saturday, as the Commodores controlled the game on both sides of the ball and led 28-0 at the half. Fresno State didn't register a first down until the second quarter, already down 21-0 on the day, and their offense didn't top 100 yards until after halftime.
Malik Sherrod ran for 63 yards on 11 carries before getting injured, and Mikey Keene threw two interceptions on just 15 pass attempts. But the defense got gashed repeatedly, including a 95-yd touchdown bomb that was the signature moment in a one-sided game.
"Our defense simply had no answers for their speed," Coach JasonUK said after the lopsided defeat. "Even when we called the right schemes and read the play right, our guys looked like they were running in quicksand. It just goes to show that even the smaller programs in the SEC still have that vaunted speed."
The lone bright spot on the offensive side of the ball for Fresno State was receiver Jalen Moss, who caught five passes for 88 yards including a 31-yard consolation touchdown late in the game.
The good news for Fresno State is this game had no bearing on their Mountain West hopes, which hang in the balance as they enter their final three games of the season. They'll look to become bowl eligible and get a sixth win the next time they take the field.
Vandy QB Nate Johnson making plans for post game celebration.
The Vanderbilt Commodores soared to a 35-14 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs in a dominant (perhaps just plain lucky) display of offensive prowess. The Commodore offense was nearly flawless through the air, with junior quarterback Nate Johnson leading the charge. Johnson was spectacular, completing 11 of 14 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. His standout performance included a spectacular 95-yard connection with new wide receiver Loic Fouonji, who racked up 141 yards on the day. This explosive play came with just 2:27 remaining in the first half, extending Vanderbilt's lead to 28-0 and effectively sealing the game.
Adding to the offensive fireworks was sophomore running back Sedrick Alexander, who was a force on the ground. Alexander carried the ball 20 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his breakaway speed with a 75-yard rush on the game's very first play. This early surge set the tone for the Commodores and left the Bulldogs scrambling to keep up. QB Johnson's versatility was further highlighted by a crucial 50-yard run in the third quarter on an option keeper, keeping the Bulldogs' defense off balance and ensuring Vanderbilt's lead remained secure.
The Commodores face a formidable challenge with their next games against #22 LSU and #17 Tennessee. Vanderbilt's impressive offensive performance against Fresno State has set a high bar, but they must maintain their momentum and consistency to compete effectively against these ranked opponents. The strong showing from both Johnson and Alexander, along with Fouonji’s explosive playmaking, will be pivotal as the Commodores prepare for these crucial matchups in their quest for a successful season.
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