Vols Inch Closer To College Playoff Birth After Vandy Win (11-30-24)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Tennessee Vols
Nashville, Tennessee –Few teams enjoyed a better week than the Tennessee Volunteers, and it had little to do with their routine win over UTEP. Instead, it was the chaos unfolding across the college football landscape that sent their playoff hopes soaring. Losses by Alabama, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Indiana cleared significant roadblocks and left Tennessee in prime position to secure a first-round College Football Playoff game—possibly on their home turf in Knoxville. All the Volunteers needed to do was handle business against their in-state rival Vanderbilt.
However, games between these two Tennessee programs often bring an added level of unpredictability, and the Commodores were eager to play spoiler. Led by quarterback Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt aimed to close their season with a statement win while shaking up the playoff picture in the process. What followed was an action-packed game that saw both teams trade momentum in front of an energized crowd in Nashville. Let’s dive into how it all unfolded Saturday as the Commodores hosted the Volunteers.
First Quarter: Vanderbilt’s Electric Start
Tennessee won the toss and deferred, giving Vanderbilt the opening kickoff. The Commodores didn’t waste any time making a statement. Josh Turbyville sent the kickoff straight into the hands of Junior Sherill, who sprinted untouched into the end zone, igniting the Vanderbilt crowd and giving the Commodores an early 7-0 lead. The Tennessee sideline was stunned.
The Vols’ offense began their first drive at their own 17-yard line but quickly found trouble. On just the second play, star running back Dylan Sampson fumbled the ball, and Vanderbilt’s Nick Rinaldi recovered it at the Tennessee 26. The home crowd roared even louder, sensing another opportunity to strike. Seven plays later, Sedrick Alexander punched in a 4-yard touchdown, putting Vanderbilt up 14-0. Tennessee, now reeling, needed an answer.
Starting from their own 27, the Vols turned to Sampson, who redeemed himself with a 28-yard burst. A few plays later, Nico Lamaleava found Chris Brazzell for 21 yards, followed by a 28-yard touchdown strike to Donte Thornton, cutting Vanderbilt’s lead to 14-7. Momentum seemed to be shifting back to the Vols.
Vanderbilt responded with a steady drive, highlighted by a 15-yard pass to Sherill and an 11-yard run by the same playmaker. Quarterback Diego Pavia kept things moving with his own 10-yard run, but the drive eventually stalled, forcing a 32-yard field goal from Brock Taylor to make it 17-7.
Tennessee’s next drive stalled after a failed fourth-down conversion, giving Vanderbilt excellent field position at the Vols’ 44. The Commodores ran down the clock with four straight rushing plays, ending the first quarter with a commanding 17-7 lead.
Second Quarter: Momentum Swings Galore
Vanderbilt began the second quarter at the Tennessee 28 but faltered. A near-interception on first down was followed by an actual pick on the next play, as Pavia’s pass was snagged in the end zone. Tennessee, however, couldn’t capitalize. On their first play, Iamaleava went deep but was intercepted, giving Vanderbilt the ball back at their own 19 after a personal foul penalty.
The Commodores tried to regroup, aided by two Tennessee penalties—a roughing of the passer and an offsides—that kept their drive alive. Despite these gifts, the drive stalled near midfield, and Vanderbilt turned it over on downs.
Tennessee, starting at their own 46, pieced together a modest drive. Dylan Sampson gained 23 yards on three carries, but back-to-back false start penalties derailed their momentum. The Vols settled for a 50-yard field goal from Max Gilbert, trimming the deficit to 17-10.
After a Vanderbilt three-and-out, the Vols took over at their own 9. On the second play, Iamaleava connected with Thornton on an 86-yard bomb, tying the game at 17-17 and electrifying the Tennessee faithful.
Vanderbilt attempted to answer, with Pavia leading the charge on back-to-back runs of 20 and 11 yards to flip the field. However, a holding penalty and a stalled drive forced them to punt. Tennessee took over with 2:39 left in the half.
The Vols methodically moved downfield, helped by a defensive pass interference call and clutch plays from Iamaleava, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to Miles Kitselman. Tennessee took its first lead of the game, heading into halftime up 24-17.
Third Quarter: Tennessee Takes Control
Tennessee opened the second half with a long, clock-draining drive. Iamaleava and the Vols leaned on the run game, with Sampson and DeSuan Bishop grinding out yardage. The drive, which consumed nearly seven minutes, ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams, extending Tennessee’s lead to 31-17.
Vanderbilt’s ensuing drive went nowhere, and the Commodores were forced to punt. Tennessee’s next possession chewed up more clock, eventually pinning Vanderbilt deep at their own 4-yard line. The Vols’ defense capitalized, with Tyre West tackling Sedrick Alexander in the end zone for a safety, pushing the lead to 33-17. Tennessee regained possession after the safety punt and ran out the clock to end the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Vols Seal the Deal
The Vols continued to dominate the clock in the fourth quarter, highlighted by an 11-yard run from Bishop and a field goal from Gilbert to make it 36-17. Vanderbilt showed some life on the next drive, with Pavia hitting Richie Hoskins for a 31-yard touchdown. However, the missed two-point conversion kept the score at 36-23.
With under six minutes remaining, Tennessee leaned on Sampson to close out the game. Despite a penalty that briefly stalled their momentum, the Vols methodically marched downfield, bleeding the clock. The game ended with Tennessee in victory formation, securing a 36-23 win.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Tennessee did exactly what they needed to do—handle business and keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite a rocky start that saw Vanderbilt race out to an early lead, the Volunteers settled in and reminded everyone why they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation. Nico Iamaleava’s poise under pressure, Dylan Sampson’s relentless explosiveness, and a defense that rose to the occasion in key moments turned the tide for Tennessee. Vanderbilt, led by Diego Pavia and Junior Sherrill, brought the fight to their in-state rivals and delivered a few highlight-reel moments, but the Vols proved too much to handle as the game wore on.
Tennessee’s 36-23 victory wasn’t just another win—it was a statement that this team is ready for the challenges ahead. They took control when it mattered most, managed the clock with precision, and showcased their depth on both sides of the ball. With this victory, the Volunteers cement their position among college football’s elite, securing a first-round playoff spot and potentially earning the right to host it in Knoxville. Now, all eyes turn to the playoff committee’s final rankings as Tennessee prepares for the next chapter in what has been an unforgettable season.
