One good streak kept going for Vanderbilt, and a bad one bit the dust.
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt final score: Commodores win big, 41-18
Three third-quarter touchdowns pushed Zac Stacy and Vanderbilt past Tennessee for the Commodores’ fifth straight win.
The Commodores rolled over the Volunteers, 41-18, to win their fifth straight game and break a 15-game losing streak at home to Tennessee. The Volunteers, meanwhile, remain winless in SEC play after another dismal defensive showing.
The Commodores (7-4, 5-3) are the latest team to make mincemeat out of the Volunteers' defense, which has given up at least 38 points in its last six games. Vanderbilt's defense, meanwhile, had an easy time shutting down Tyler Bray and Tennessee (4-7, 0-7), holding Bray to 102 yards on just 11-of-27 passing, along with a touchdown and two picks. Tennessee was a mess on offense, with Bray pulled for Justin Worley in the second quarter after an interception, then put back in the game to start the second half. At one point in the third quarter, Tennessee put kicker Michael Palardy under center for a series before going back to Bray, who was then pulled for good with 10 minutes to go in the game.
Jordan Rodgers, meanwhile, had no trouble for Vanderbilt, throwing for 231 yards and three scores. Zac Stacy added 85 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Marlin Lane was the lone bright spot for Tennessee, finishing with 16 carries for 108 yards.
Box Score Hero: Jordan Matthews was a force for Vanderbilt, ripping off a 47-yard touchdown run to put Vanderbilt up 20-10 at the start of the third quarter, and catching seven balls for 115 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown dash in the fourth to break the game open.
Rankings Ramifications: The win won’t put Vanderbilt in the top 25, but it does help them in their quest for a bowl game. Tennessee, meanwhile, lost all hope of a positive ranking a long time ago.
But Did They Cover? Considering Vanderbilt was a four-point favorite, it’s safe to say that yes, they did.
For More On This Game: For more on the Commodores, check out Anchor of Gold. For more on the Volunteers, check out Rocky Top Talk.
Next Week’s Schedule: Vanderbilt travels to Wake Forest, and Tennessee hosts Kentucky in a battle of winless conference teams.
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