No. 8 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) defeated Vanderbilt, 36-23, Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Tennessee.
The Vols led, 24-17, after trailing by 14 points in the first quarter.
With the victory, Tennessee likely earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Commodores led, 7-0, after Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Vanderbilt would extend its advantage to 14-0 when Sedrick Alexander scored on a 14-yard run. His touchdown was set up when Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson fumbled at the Vols; 26-yard line on the first possession.
The Vols pulled to within, 14-7, after quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. with 8 minutes, 46 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Kicker Brock Taylor extended Vanderbilt’s lead to 17-7 with 4:01 remaining in the first quarter.
The Vols scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter and never trailed again.
Iamaleava completed 18-of-26 passing attempts for 257 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Dylan Sampson was Tennessee’s leading rusher. He totaled 175 rushing yards on 25 attempts.
Chris Brazzell II totaled five receptions for 54 receiving yards, while Thornton Jr. recorded three receptions for 118 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Mike Matthews also recorded one touchdown reception for the Vols.
PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Vanderbilt in Week 14
