NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Volunteers secured their spot in the College Football Playoff following a hard-fought 36-23 win over Vanderbilt. Despite a rocky start, with the Vols (10-2, 6-2 SEC) falling behind 14-0 early in the game, they rallied to dominate the rest of the match against the Commodores (6-6, 3-5) at FirstBank Stadium.
Tennessee, ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, needed this victory to solidify their playoff position, with hopes of even hosting a first-round game.
The game’s first quarter was challenging for the Volunteers as Vanderbilt’s Junior Sherrill opened the scoring with a 100-yard kickoff return. Tennessee quickly responded with a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Nico Iamaleava, narrowing the gap.
In the second quarter, the Vols fought back from a 17-10 deficit by tying the game with an 86-yard touchdown pass and eventually took a 24-17 lead before halftime. The momentum continued into the second half, with Tennessee scoring more points while effectively shutting down Vanderbilt’s offense.
Tennessee displayed a strong finish in the fourth quarter, with a safety and additional field goals solidifying their lead. The Volunteers’ performance showcased their resilience, overcoming an early setback to clinch a playoff berth.
The Vols’ achievements signify their potential to make a noteworthy playoff run, invigorating both the team’s fan base and the state of Tennessee college football. Their determination in overcoming adversity in this game reflects a promising outlook for future matchups in the College Football Playoff.
In summary, Tennessee’s thrilling victory over Vanderbilt highlights their determination and competitive spirit, securing a place in the playoffs and reigniting hopes for a deep postseason run. As they prepare for the next stage, the Volunteers and their supporters can look forward to what lies ahead.