NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ke'Shawn Vaughn rushed for 138 yards and one touchdown, Riley Neal threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and Vanderbilt defeated Northern Illinois 24-18.
The victory was the first of the season for the Commodores (1-3), who dropped their first three games to Power Five teams, two of which came against Top Five ranked opponents No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 LSU.
After winning their season opening game, Northern Illinois (1-3) has dropped three straight, all against Power Five teams.
Vanderbilt's Keyon Brooks and Vaughn scored rushing touchdowns on the first two Vanderbilt drives of the game.