Tennessee players discuss Vanderbilt rivalry

Tennessee plays at Vanderbilt Saturday.

Tennessee (2-6, 2-6 SEC) will play at Vanderbilt (0-8, 0-8 SEC) Saturday in Week 12 of a 10-game, SEC-only schedule.

Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. EST and will be televised by SEC Network.

Ahead of the in-state SEC East matchup, a pair of Vols discussed the Tennessee-Vanderbilt series.

KNOXVILLE, TN – AUGUST 26, 2020 – Linebacker Tyler Baron #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Caleb Jones/Tennessee Athletics

Freshman linebacker Tyler Baron said the series “is a great rivalry.”

“Being from Nashville, I know a little bit more than most,” Baron said. “I know Vanderbilt is going to come ready to play and we are going to do the same. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing against a few guys that I played in high school.”

Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Graduate transfer and redshirt senior wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. also discussed the series.

“This is my first season in the SEC and the coaches have been saying that Vanderbilt is a very competitive team,” Jones Jr. said. “This is a great rivalry. Every week, we’re going to get every team’s best fight.

“I respect those guys. I’ve been watching them this season and studying them. They bring it every week, no matter who it is. We’re definitely looking forward to getting their best game. I can’t wait for this historical rivalry. It’s going to be fun competing against those guys. They’re a great team.”

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