Vanderbilt capitalized on great performances from quarterback Chris Nickson and defensive back D.J. Moore to defeat Miami of Ohio 34-13 last night. Anyone who roots for the Commodores, who were an underdog by as much as four points coming into the game, had to breathe a sigh of relief to see Vanderbilt notch a road win to open the season. Coach Bobby Johnson agreed:

It feels great to come away with a win. I felt like we had a few mistakes but they were all first game mistakes and I think we can fix them and move forward.

Though its overall talent level has vastly improved in seven seasons under Coach Johnson, as usual Vanderbilt’s margin of error is razor thin. With games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, Auburn, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Wake Forest on the schedule, the Commodores can’t afford to squander any opportunities to register in the win column. Thank goodness they did last night. Go Dores!