Tennessee and Vanderbilt are set to meet in a rekindling of an in-state rivalry that hasn’t always been competitive. This year figures to be different, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Volunteers have dominated the series in recent years, winning each of the past five meetings by double-digits. However, the tides may be shifting, and this year’s showdown promises to be a touch more competitive.
Game Expectations and Betting Lines
According to lines listed by FanDuel, Tennessee enters the game as a 12.5-point favorite over Vanderbilt. The over/under point total for the contest has been set at 48.5 points. This sets the expectation going into the game: Tennessee is the clear favorite, which you’d expect of a team competing for a College Football Playoff berth. But let’s not count out Vanderbilt just yet; they’ve already surprised a few teams this year, and anything can happen in a rivalry game.
Key Players to Watch
Tennessee is coming off an easy win over UTEP, one in which the team never really broke a sweat. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was in fine form, going 17-of-23 passing for 209 yards and four touchdowns against the Miners. His performance not only showcased his skill but also boosted his confidence going into the Vanderbilt game. How will he fare against a Commodores defense that has had its ups and downs?
Meanwhile, star running back Dylan Sampson continues to impress, going over 100 yards for the seventh straight game. With a staggering tally of 1,230 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground this season, he’s one of the nation’s best running backs. Stopping him has to be the biggest priority for Vanderbilt. Will they be able to contain his explosive playmaking ability?
Vanderbilt’s Game Plan
On the other side, Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia has made life extremely difficult for opponents with his dual-threat capabilities. He can throw, but it’s his ability to run the football that really sets him apart. Coming off a physical game at LSU, how well Pavia can move the chains will dictate a lot of this game. If he can find success on the ground, it will be crucial for Vanderbilt’s chances.
Vanderbilt will need to be strategic, aiming to take the air out of the game. Limiting the number of touches Iamaleava and Sampson get will be key to their success. Can they control the clock and keep Tennessee’s offense off the field? It’s a tall order, but every great rivalry game has its surprises.
How to Watch Tennessee at Vanderbilt
Time: 12 p.m. ET, Nov. 30
Channel: ABC/ESPN+, FuboTV (streaming)
Location: FirstBank Stadium — Nashville, TN
Anticipation Builds for the Rivalry Game
With Tennessee eyeing a potential College Football Playoff berth, they’ll be looking to assert their dominance once again. But can Vanderbilt rise to the occasion and pull off an upset? The stakes are high, and the passion runs deep. This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for bragging rights in the state of Tennessee.
Final Thoughts
In any case, it should be a more interesting Tennessee-Vanderbilt matchup than the last few years, as evidenced by the early point spread. The Volunteers may be favored, but the unpredictability of college football means that anything can happen. Will Tennessee continue their winning streak, or will Vanderbilt shock the world? One thing is for sure: fans won’t want to miss this showdown.
