The teams combined for seven punts and each team missed a field goal attempt in a scoreless second half.

Coach Danny Rocco earns first victory as VMI head coach.

VMI opens Rocco era with Davidson on Saturday

"We had really good carryover heading into the summer," Rocco said.

The progress in the off-season has now translated to spring ball where Rocco’s office of install is filled with versatility.

The VMI Football team traveled Cullowhee for its SoCon-opening matchup with Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon, falling to the high-powered Catamounts offense 38-17.

Jameson Wang threw two touchdowns — both to William Enneking — and Cornell held off VMI’s late rally for a 28-22 win on Saturday in the Big Red’s season opener.

The Bulldogs rushed for 363 yards as a team on their way to reclaiming the Silver Shako Trophy.

The Terriers and Keydets combined for 394 yards rushing.