Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee Odds
| Vanderbilt Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+31 -105 | 63.5 -120o / +100u | +3300 |
| Tennessee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-31 -115 | 63.5 -120o / +100u | -10000 |
Well, we've arrived at the last game of the season, and Vanderbilt is still looking for its first SEC win.
Vandy enters this game 2-9 and is on a six-game losing streak. But it isn't the only team that has had a less-than-encouraging season.
Tennessee is 6-5 and 3-4 in the SEC while limping to a bowl game after another season where it finds itself outside the elite teams in its proud conference.
Still, this matchup is also about pride, with Vanderbilt and Tennessee having met an astounding 115 times on the gridiron since 1892. Even though Tennessee has dominated the competition against a smaller, more academically-inclined school, this game is important to those in the state.
Vanderbilt is one of the worst in the nation entering this game, following a 16-point loss to Ole Miss. Vanderbilt struggled defensively against the Rebels, giving up 470 total yards, including 326 through the air.
And while Tennessee hasn't been as bad, it has been able to cover large spreads — for example, last week as a 28.5-point favorite over South Alabama. Vandy, however, has covered three spreads in a row of 14 points or more.
Will Vandy be able to cover its fourth spread in a row this week in its rivalry game?
Vanderbilt Commodores
Quarterback Mike Wright did as much as he could've against Ole Miss, completing 50% of his passes for 241 yards while adding 61 yards on the ground on 13 carries.
Rocko Griffin was the star for the Vanderbilt offense with 117 rushing yards and one touchdown on 26 carries.
This week the offensive duo will need to find a way to keep that momentum going on an offense that ranks among the worst in the country, averaging just 311.9 yards and 15.3 points per game.
While Ken Seals is now healthy and available, Wright will once again get the start under center.
Through nine games — four starts — Wright has completed 53.5% of his passes for 844 yards with seven touchdowns and five picks.
His number aren't great, but he has shown flashes and gives the Commodores a better chance than Seals. He can also make plays with his legs, which will be needed against a Tennessee team that has struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks.
Wright has a capable receiving team as well, led by Chris Pierce Jr., Will Sheppard and Cam Johnson. The Commodores' passing game should be able to find some success on Saturday against a Tennessee team that is giving up 255.5 yards per game. Vanderbilt has struggled on third down, converting just 32.8 percent.
Vandy will also be challenged up front by a Tennessee pass rush that has generated 30 sacks this season. The Commodores are sputtering on both sides of the ball, but especially defensively. They have allowed at least 30 points in nine games.
Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers enter the final week at 6-5 following a 46-point win against South Alabama. The Volunteers' offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 561 total yards and 60 points against a lackluster South Alabama team.
Tennessee used three different quarterbacks a week ago, combining to complete 24-of-29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. The Tennessee rushing attack carried the load, combining for 250 yards and five scores on 43 carries.
Jaylen Wright led the way for Tennessee with 83 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, while Jabari Small added 73 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
Tennessee also has had its share of issues on the defensive side of the ball. The Vols allow more than 400 yards per game, and five teams have scored at least 35 points against them this year.
The Vols can score, though, ranking 11th nationally in points per game at 38.5 this season.
Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Vanderbilt and Tennessee match up statistically:
Vanderbilt Offense vs. Tennessee Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 118 | 60 | |
| Line Yards | 123 | 96 | |
| Pass Success | 114 | 67 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 25 | 80 | |
| Big Play | 130 | 69 | |
| Havoc | 51 | 48 |  |
| Finishing Drives | 117 | 100 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Tennessee Offense vs. Vanderbilt Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 20 | 112 | |
| Line Yards | 24 | 112 | |
| Pass Success | 35 | 124 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 82 | 126 | |
| Big Play | 31 | 124 | |
| Havoc | 39 | 103 | |
| Finishing Drives | 30 | 115 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 110 | 100 |
| Coverage | 105 | 84 |
| Middle 8 | 123 | 71 |
| SP+ Special Teams | 101 | 16 |
| Plays per Minute | 53 | 1 |
| Rush Rate | 50.2% (94) | 59.9% (30) |
Data via College Football Data, FootballOutsiders, SP+, PFF and SportSource Analytics.
Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee Betting Pick
Like most teams, Tennessee knows it's miles ahead of Vanderbilt in talent. And just like Kentucky and Ole Miss, I expect the Vols to somewhat coast through this game.
They know they can get the win and prevent any injuries for players not just in the bowl game but those who will soon begin to prepare for the NFL Draft.
I'm taking Vanderbilt at +31.5 and would bet it as low as +30.
