Pat Forde predicts a close final score between the Tennessee Vols and the Vanderbilt Commodores
The Tennessee Vols and the Vanderbilt Commodores will face off in Nashville on Saturday in what's essentially a playoff game for the Volunteers. If Tennessee wins, they'll almost certainly be included in the 12-team College Football Playoff. If the Vols lose, they likely won't make the playoff. It's that simple. Tennessee has won five straight […]
The Tennessee Vols and the Vanderbilt Commodores will face off in Nashville on Saturday in what's essentially a playoff game for the Volunteers.
If Tennessee wins, they'll almost certainly be included in the 12-team College Football Playoff. If the Vols lose, they likely won't make the playoff. It's that simple.
Tennessee has won five straight against Vanderbilt, with each of the Vols' last four victories against the Commodores coming by at least 24 points.
The Volunteers are favored against Vandy this weekend, but a blowout isn't expected.
Vanderbilt is looking for its seventh win of the season. They own victories against Alabama and Auburn this season. And they took LSU down to wire in Baton Rouge last Saturday night. The Vols will need to play well to get a win on Saturday in Nashville.
Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde made his prediction for the game and he thinks Tennessee will get the job done….just barely.
Forde has the Vols winning 24-21.
From SI.com: This is one of the biggest meetings ever between these two. The Vols are trying to lock up a playoff bid, but the Dores are more competitive than they’ve been in a decade. They’re 6–5 with wins over Alabama, Auburn and Virginia Tech, and gave Texas some trouble in Nashville, as well. The stands will still be awash in orange, but perhaps a little less than in most years. Pick: Tennessee 24, Vanderbilt 21.
I'm sure the Vols would love to blow out the Commodores — mostly to make a statement to the playoff committee.
But ultimately, if Tennessee wins, they're in. A three-point victory might make Vols fans nervous, but a win is a win with the playoffs on the line.
Tennessee’s players and coaches need to watch Clark Lea’s speech in the Vanderbilt locker room after Commodores’ loss to LSU
Required viewing for Tennessee
