WATCH: Vanderbilt football freshman QB AJ Swann escapes sack, makes amazing TD pass

DEKALB, Illinois — In the third quarter of Vanderbilt football's game against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Commodore freshman quarterback AJ Swann threw a highlight-reel touchdown pass after evading pressure from multiple Huskies defenders on fourth down. The play sparked a 21-0 run for the Commodores, who went on to win 38-28.

On third down, with Swann nearly sacked, he instead escaped the pass-rusher's tackle and scrambled out of the pocket. Running back Ray Davis streaked toward the end zone and made the 21-yard catch to cut the Commodores' deficit to 28-21.

Swann made the start against the Huskies in place of Mike Wright despite Clark Lea indicating he would stick with his starter after a poor game against Wake Forest.

Shortly after the touchdown pass, Vanderbilt's defense stopped Northern Illinois on fourth down deep in Huskies territory and Swann found Will Sheppard for another touchdown pass to tie the game after the Commodores had gone down by two touchdowns early in the second half.

INJURY REPORTRocko Griffin, Quincy Skinner not dressed vs. NIU

GAME PREDICTIONS:Vanderbilt football vs. Northern Illinois: Our final score predictions are in

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football QB AJ Swann escapes sack, makes amazing TD pass