Vanderbilt Runs Wild over Western Carolina

The Vanderbilt Commodores opened their 2009 season with a dominating performance against Western Carolina of the FCS league.

The Commodores racked up 620 yards of total offense led by the 433 yards gained on the ground.

The commodores' defense held Western to 115 total yards and also had one interception by Eric Samuels, which was returned for 19 yards.

Western Carolina had four turnovers for the game.

Larry Smith did a great job of moving the Commodores up and down the field. Smith was 10-of-18 for 153 yards and one touchdown. Smith also ran for 66 yards on 11 carries.

The running game for the Commodores was led by a pair of freshmen running backs. Zac Stacey had 133 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown, while Warren Norman had 105 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns.

"They’re cool customers and can handle the pressure," coach Bobby Johnson said of his backs. "They’ve done a good job of learning the offense and they were able to run through some big holes."

Kennard Reeves also provided a spark in the running game with seven rushes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Justin Green had only one reception, but it was a big one. Smith hit Green for a 46-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

MLB Chris Marve got off to a huge start to the season, forcing two fumbles and recording a sack in the game's first four minutes. Marve forced four fumbles last season.

DE Theron Kadri, who left the team Aug. 24, but came back five days later, made the most of his return, coming up with a sack in the opening game.

Up next for the Commodores is a trip to LSU on Sept. 12.