Seven true freshman and 14 redshirt freshmen play in Vanderbilt's season opener

All in all, a nice performance by the Commodores last night. It was the first time Vandy has shut out an opponent since its 58-0 victory over the Citadel in 1999. The Dores outgained the Catamounts 433-74 on the ground and 620-115 total yards.

Larry Smith left the game late in the third quarter with what the Associated Press described as an injury to his throwing arm. But Bobby Johnson said he had leg cramps. That's good news.

As mentioned before, the true freshmen tailbacks looked great, with Zac Stacy gaining 133 yards and one score and Warren Norman getting 105 yards and two scores. Stacy and Norman were among the seven true freshmen to play in the game, compared to three (Casey Hayward, Sean Richardson and John Cole all last season). The other true freshmen to play today were cornerbacks Trey Wilson, Eric Samuels and Eddie Foster and wide receivers Collin Ashley and Brady Brown. (Ashley had one reception for 9 yards.)

Also, 14 redshirt freshmen played, including receivers John Cole and Akeem Dunham, linebackers Archie Barnes, Tristan Strong and DeAndre Jones (pictured above), safeties Micah Powell and Al Owens, placekicker Ryan Fowler, defensive tackles Colt Nichter and Rob Lohr, offensive linemen Ryan Seymour and Richard Cagle, and defensive ends Josh Jelesky and Johnell Thomas.

Three other Dores, Tray Herndon, Jermaine Doster and Jared Funk, played their first games as Commodores. Seven players started their first games: Casey Hayward, Tim Fugger, Sean Richardson, Brent Trice, Udom Umoh, James Williams and Zac Stacey.