VMI drops SOCON opener to Samford

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WFXR) – The VMI football team fell by a 45-7 score to host Samford University to open Southern Conference play Saturday afternoon at Pete Hanna Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.With the loss, VMI falls to 0-5 on the season and 0-1 in league action while Samford earned their first victory of the season to improve to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in conference.The Bulldogs got on the board early with an L. Young 45-yard interception return for a touchdown to set the tone and quick 7-0 lead on VMI's opening drive. Later in the quarter, Emerson Russell would take it in from 16 yards out on a TD rush to put Samford up 14-0 after one period.VMI's defense held strong for much of the second quarter until the Bulldogs scored on a 23-yard pass from Gabarri Johnson to Marquise Henderson. VMI quarterback

was intercepted on VMI's ensuing possession to give Samford excellent field position with just a couple minutes before the half. The Bulldogs took advantage and scored on a Preston Bird 16-yard TD reception from Johnson to give Samford a 28-0 lead at the break.The Keydets got on the board late in the third quarter on a