[Tuck4Bama]

Vandy's balanced attack keeps Ole Miss reeling

By Robbie Neiswanger

John Russell/The Associated Press

Jared Hawkins, No. 31, was tackled by Ole Miss' Cassius Vaughn (right) and Dustin Mouzon on this play, but Vandy mostly gave the Rebs' defense fits.

NASHVILLE — Vanderbilt tailback Cassen Jackson-Garrison sprinted through the line of scrimmage, ripping off chunks of yardage the entire second half.

Quarterback Chris Nickson was equally nimble, slipping in and out of tackles to pick up key first downs. When he didn't tuck the ball and run, Nickson zipped passes to receiver Earl Bennett.

Every time Ole Miss thought it was reeling in the Commodores after falling into a first-half hole on Saturday night, Vanderbilt's offensive trio reminded them of one thing: The defense continues to struggle.

The Commodores ruined the Rebels' hopes in a 31-17 win in front of an announced crowd of 34,180 in Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt (2-1, 1-1 in Southeastern Conference), which was woeful on offense in a loss to Alabama a week earlier, found the perfect remedy in an Ole Miss defense that had trouble stopping an opponent when it mattered most.

"We just couldn't get over the hump," linebacker Tony Fein said. "We didn't make the big plays when it counted. We didn't get it done."

UM Football: Rebs can't stop 'Dores