Tennessee Defeats Vanderbilt 36-23, Secures College Football Playoff Spot

Vanderbilt's strong start falters as Tennessee rallies to its sixth straight win in the rivalry, leaving the Commodores to await their bowl game fate.

Tennessee overcame a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter, scoring 29 consecutive points to secure a 36-23 victory over Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt's Junior Sherrill opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, his first in college football, sparking early momentum for the Commodores.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Volunteers to a dominant offensive performance with 538 total yards.
Vanderbilt's defense struggled, allowing its highest yardage of the season and failing to contain Tennessee's fast-paced offense despite forcing two turnovers.
The loss drops Vanderbilt to 6-6, but the team remains bowl-eligible and will learn its postseason destination on December 8.