KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Last year, Tennessee had to scratch, claw, score on special teams and get three interceptions to squeak by rival Vanderbilt by a touchdown to become bowl-eligible.
With seven wins already on the ledger, the Volunteers won't have to do that this season. But in order for the season to be a success in coach Butch Jones' third year on Rocky Top, they need to get this win.
VU likely isn't headed to a bowl game this year regardless of the outcome, although it's still possible the Commodores could make the postseason at 5-7 if they beat Tennessee.