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Written By
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After suffering a crushing 52-7 defeat to Navy in their season opener, the VMI Keydets needed a statement performance to regain their confidence. They got exactly that on Saturday, rolling to a convincing 42-7 victory over Division II newcomer Ferrum College at Foster Stadium.
The Keydets (1-1, 0-0 SoCon) controlled the game from the opening drive, jumping out to a 21-0 lead before allowing a single Ferrum touchdown just before halftime. VMI then dominated the second half, outscoring the Panthers 21-0 to secure their first win of the 2025 season.
"We always talk about building habits, sustaining habits. Well you can't sustain winning, until you actually win. Today we took that first step. Now, it's up to us to continue the momentum."
— VMI head coach Danny Rocco
The Keydets' offense showed the explosive capability that was missing against Navy, totaling 400 yards with a balanced attack of 224 passing yards and 176 rushing yards. VMI outgained Ferrum 400-187 in total offense, dominating both through the air and on the ground.
Quarterback Collin Shannon continued his solid play from the season opener, completing 15 of 27 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns, though he did throw his first interception of the season. Backup quarterback Chandler Wilson also saw action, going 1 for 5 for 1 yard.
The game's longest play came early in the first quarter on an end-around that resulted in a 78-yard touchdown. Running back Aslin Shipe took the handoff and flipped the ball back to wide receiver Noah Grevious, who raced the distance for his first career touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Grevious finished with just that one carry but made it count with the explosive score.
Owen Sweeney continued his hot start to the season, finding the end zone for the second consecutive game with a 52-yard touchdown reception that extended VMI's lead to 28-7 early in the third quarter. The redshirt freshman receiver finished with 2 catches for 63 yards and has emerged as Shannon's favorite deep threat.
Malik McNeely led all VMI receivers with 4 catches for 81 yards, including his first career touchdown on a 31-yard reception. Tight-End Morgan McPhaul also found the end zone with a five-yard scoring reception, as VMI's receiving corps showed the depth that could make them dangerous in Southern Conference play.
VMI's running game, which struggled against Navy's defense, found its rhythm against Ferrum. Leo Boehling led the ground attack with 16 carries for 41 yards, establishing a new career high while providing consistent production between the tackles.
Shipe added 40 rushing yards on 8 carries and capped an impressive 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge in the second quarter, giving the Keydets the ground balance they'll need as they enter conference play.
The VMI defense, which allowed 52 points to Navy, showed significant improvement by limiting Ferrum to just 187 total yards while forcing multiple turnovers that created favorable field position for their offense.
The defensive highlight came in the third quarter when linebacker Donovan Burnett delivered a hit on Ferrum's Jahylen Rush, jarring the ball loose. Defensive back Anthony Allen scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown, extending VMI's lead to 35-7.
Safety Isaiah Grevious also forced a fumble, while Kouri Crump blocked a punt as the Keydets' special teams contributed to the dominant performance. Linebacker Steven Riveros and Stephen Dean III each recorded five tackles to lead a much-improved defensive effort.
Ferrum managed just 94 passing yards on 13 completions and 93 rushing yards, as VMI's defense stifled the Panthers' offense throughout the contest.
VMI's special teams units were nearly flawless, led by Ben Shrewsbury who handled both kicking duties. While Shrewsbury missed his lone field goal attempt, he was perfect on extra points going 6-for-6. His punting was exceptional, averaging 54.8 yards per punt on four attempts with a long of 59 yards and placing two punts inside the 20-yard line. The Keydets' coverage teams also performed well, limiting Ferrum's return opportunities.
This bounce-back victory provides VMI with much-needed momentum as they prepare for a challenging road test against Bucknell next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Keydets have struggled against the Bison in recent meetings, making next week's preparation crucial.
"We haven't played well against them recently, and it's going to be a test up there. We will need to have a good week of preparation."
— Danny Rocco on facing Bucknell
For VMI, this 42-7 victory represents more than just a win against an overmatched opponent. It's proof that the Keydets can execute their offensive system, force turnovers on defense, and play with the confidence that will be essential as they begin their quest for a Southern Conference championship.
The key now is sustaining this level of play against more formidable opponents. But for one Saturday in Lexington, VMI looked like the team that many expected to see before the season began – explosive, opportunistic, and ready to compete in one of the FCS's most competitive conferences.
