Vanderbilt behind by one at halftime of Music City Bowl

Vanderbilt got field goals on its first two possessions today in the Music City Bowl and reached halftime trailing Boston College 7-6.

The Eagles took the lead on a 4-yard touchdown catch by running back Montel Harris with 1:27 to play in the half. The touchdown capped a 17-play, 63-yard drive after BC managed just 70 yards on its first five offensive possessions.

Redshirt-freshman Larry Smith started at quarterback for the Commodores but regularly alternated snaps with senior Chris Nickson.

Smith completed his first three passes for 84 yards and four of six for 91 yards through the first two quarters. Nickson was 0-for-2 passing but had a team-high 26 rushing yards on four attempts.

Kicker Bryant Hahnfeldt accounted for all of VU’s scoring with field goals of 42 and 26 yards, respectively.

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

VU – Hahnfeldt 42 FG Drive: Seven plays, 34 yards, 3:05.

VU – Hahnfeldt 26 FG Drive: Five plays, 57 yards, 2:46.

Second quarter

BC – Harris 4 pass from Davis (Aponavicius kick) Drive: 17 plays, 63 yards, 6:51.