Tennessee rallies from 14-point deficit to dominate Vanderbilt
- Tennessee Volunteers overcame a 14-point deficit against Vanderbilt to secure a 36-23 victory.
- Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns, leading Tennessee's comeback.
- The win positions Tennessee for a potential playoff berth in December.
On November 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, the Tennessee Volunteers faced off against the Vanderbilt Commodores in a highly anticipated college football matchup. The Volunteers, ranked No. 7, struggled early as they quickly found themselves down 14 points within the first five minutes, with junior Sherrill returning the opening kickoff for Vanderbilt and a subsequent touchdown run that exploited a Tennessee fumble. However, the Volunteers, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, demonstrated resilience by scoring 36 unanswered points, turning the momentum back in their favor. By halftime, Tennessee had gained a 24-17 lead, thanks to Iamaleava's four touchdown passes that showcased both his arm strength and ability to connect with his receivers. Coach Josh Heupel's team employed a potent offensive strategy that allowed them to recover from the early setback. The Volunteers exhibited impressive efficiency, orchestrating multiple long drives, including touchdowns from 91 and 96 yards. On the defensive side, Tennessee faced challenges that allowed Vanderbilt to accumulate 17 points in the first half. However, the Volunteers' defense adjusted and limited variances in the second half, maintaining their lead and ultimately sealing a decisive 36-23 victory. The victory improved Tennessee's record to 10-2, solidifying their position as a contender for the College Football Playoff (CFP). The team’s performance bolstered their playoff aspirations, particularly given their successful season at Neyland Stadium, where they remained unbeaten. As the calendar year draws to a close, the Volunteers now eagerly await their placement in the CFP field. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea acknowledged the impressive comeback from Tennessee, crediting their coaching staff and players for overcoming adversity and positioning themselves for the playoffs. In individual performances, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson, who had previously set a program record for rushing touchdowns this season, did not reach the end zone during this game but managed to accumulate significant yardage, finishing with 178 rushing yards. His performance marked a significant achievement, as he surpassed the school's single-season rushing record. Both teams will now look ahead to their respective postseason opportunities, with Vanderbilt anticipating its bowl game destination to be announced shortly.