[Tuck4Bama]

He wouldn't exactly call it making up for lost time, but Saturday night's 11-carry, 67-yard rushing performance did serve to knock off some of the rust for Vanderbilt junior tailback Jeff Jennings.

In his first game since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Kentucky in 2005, Jennings ran 4 yards for a touchdown and scored on a 3-yard pass from Chris Nickson in the 41-17 win over visiting Richmond.

His presence gave an additional boost to what could be a potent Commodore offense — one that was plenty productive in the air, but needs that solid ground threat to keep opposing defenses, such as Alabama on Saturday, off-balance.

"When he's playing well, the sky is the limit for the offense," said Nickson, who threw for 284 yards and four TDs. "He's very effective in the short-yardage game. We really need him to play well. He makes things so much better for us. We're excited about what he brings to the offense."

Vandy's Jennings returns in big way with two TDs