Vanderbilt Football Triumphs Over Tennessee, Named Team of the Week

Vanderbilt football celebrated a significant achievement by being named the Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Team of the Week following their impressive victory over the No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers. The announcement came from the Football Writers Association of America and Florida Citrus Sports after Vanderbilt secured a commanding 45-24 win at Neyland Stadium on December 2, 2023. This win marked a pivotal moment in the longstanding rivalry, as it was the 120th meeting between the two programs, with Vanderbilt not having triumphed since 2018.

The match began as a competitive affair, with both teams tied at 21 points at halftime. The turning point occurred when Vanderbilt drew a roughing the passer penalty against Tennessee during a crucial third-down situation, allowing them to maintain possession. This penalty led to a touchdown that equalized the score just before halftime. In the second half, Vanderbilt dominated, outscoring Tennessee 24-3 and showcasing both offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

Vanderbilt’s offense was particularly impressive, amassing a total of 582 yards, including 314 yards on the ground. The victory not only marked Vanderbilt’s second consecutive conference win by at least 21 points, but it also set a program record with their 10th win of the season, pushing their overall record to 10-2. This win strengthened their case for a spot in the College Football Playoff, with the latest rankings set to be released on Tuesday evening at 18:00 CT. Currently, Vanderbilt holds the 14th position in the playoff rankings, trailing behind teams such as Utah, Miami, and BYU.

While the Commodores face stiff competition for a playoff berth, their performance against Tennessee could influence their standing among the selection committee. Should they not qualify for the playoffs, Vanderbilt will learn their bowl game destination when matchups are announced on Sunday afternoon.

In recognition of their standout performances, two Vanderbilt players received honors following the game. Running back Sedrick Alexander was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a career-high 115 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Notably, his fumble recovery in the first quarter was crucial in keeping a touchdown drive alive. Offensive lineman Jordan White earned the title of SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, achieving the highest performance grade of all Vanderbilt players according to Pro Football Focus. His efforts, along with those of the offensive line, were instrumental in the team’s successful outing.

As Vanderbilt looks ahead to the remainder of the season, they are also mindful of their upcoming 2026 baseball season opener, which is just 75 days away. The enthusiasm surrounding the football program continues to build, with fans eagerly following the Commodores’ journey as they strive for further success.

For updates, fans can connect with the Vanderbilt Commodores on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.