[Tuck4Bama]

Vanderbilt scored early and often Saturday night, grabbing an 11-point halftime lead and eventually downing Ole Miss 31-17.

The host Commodores (2-1, 1-1 SEC) got a 119-yard, three-touchdown rushing performance by Cassen Jackson-Garrison — his first 100-yard game in nearly a year — and 257 offensive yards from quarterback Chris Nickson.

"It helps when you can control the line of scrimmage and control the ball," Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson said after his team rushed for 183 yards and maintained possession for nearly 10 minutes longer than the visiting Rebels.

Nickson, who injured the back of his right leg just above the hamstring a week ago against Alabama, ran for 57 yards — including a 3-yard touchdown on the Commodores' opening possession — and completed 17 of 25 passes for 25 yards.

Nickson just healthy enough to boost Vandy - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 09/16/07