No. 12 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2 SEC) earned a 45-17 win over Kentucky (5-6, 2-6 SEC) this past weekend. The Commodores have now gone undefeated at home, wrapping up a 7-0 record for the first time at FirstBank Stadium since 1982. Quarterback Diego Pavia threw for 484 yards and 3 touchdowns in the victory over the Wildcats, while wide receiver Tre Richardson brought in 6 catches for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Commodores will now head to Neyland Stadium to take on the Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 29. 

No. 19 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3 SEC) is coming off a 31-11 road win in Gainesville against Florida (3-8, 2-6 SEC). Running back DeSean Bishop ran for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on 24 carries, helping the Volunteers score touchdowns on their first four drives.  

The Volunteers’ series against Vanderbilt is Tennessee’s oldest; it dates back to 1892, and the Volunteers lead the series 79-32-5. Tennessee has won its last six games against the Commodores, including a win at FirstBank Stadium last year, 36-23. The Volunteers gave up 14 points in the first five minutes against the Commodores in 2024 but surged back to hold a commanding 24-17 lead at halftime before ultimately running away with the game.

This showdown at Neyland will have major playoff implications for Vanderbilt as it heads into its final week of the season. With quality losses to No. 16 Texas and No. 10 Alabama, head coach Clark Lea’s team still has a legitimate chance at making its first appearance in the playoffs, with Tennessee eager to spoil these aspirations. Let’s take a look at three key matchups in the game this week. 

Joey Aguilar vs. Vanderbilt’s secondary 

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar enters Saturday’s matchup with 3,145 passing yards and 23 touchdowns on the season, showcasing a profound ability to push the ball down the field. In his last game against Florida, Aguilar had a perfect 10-for-10 start in the first quarter and finished the game completing 17-of-22 passes for 204 total yards and a touchdown.  

This combination of efficiency and aggression down the field may pose a challenge for Vanderbilt’s secondary, which has struggled with defending the pass. Vanderbilt ranks No. 80 in the country in defensive third-down percentage, allowing opponents the opportunity to convert 40% of the time. The Commodores have had seven interceptions this season and have allowed an average of 264 passing yards per game.  

Cornerback Martel Hight has had 3 interceptions and 31 total tackles — 21 of which were solo — this season as he looks to build off a stellar performance against Kentucky. Still, Vanderbilt has struggled occasionally, especially against high-tempo offenses that can isolate defenders in coverage.  

This matchup will be a test of execution on both sides of the ball. If Vanderbilt can limit Aguilar’s progressions and his passing opportunities, the Commodores can manage potentially exposed matchups across the field. But, if Aguilar can find an early rhythm and capitalize against Vanderbilt’s struggling secondary, Tennessee may gain an early advantage in this week’s game.  

Vanderbilt’s rushing attack vs. Tennessee’s front seven 

Despite Pavia being a focal point of Vanderbilt’s offense, the Commodores’ run game has been an underappreciated strength this season. Vanderbilt has 1,917 rushing yards this season on 347 attempts with an average of 5.5 yards per attempt, and the Commodores have scored 29 rushing touchdowns. When Vanderbilt can establish its run, it creates opportunities for Pavia to operate at his best.  

Tennessee’s front seven will be a test for the Commodores, as it has an extremely disruptive defensive front. The Volunteers’ front currently ranks No. 4 in the conference with 30 sacks, led by defensive linemen Joshua Josephs with four. Josephs also has three forced fumbles this season, showing strong pass-rushing abilities alongside an ability to cause turnovers. Tennessee’s front seven have the ability to apply pressure to Pavia and the offense with ease, making them a threat every snap.  

This heightened pressure can disrupt Vanderbilt’s offensive rhythm if the Volunteers are able to force the Commodores into unfavorable situations and control the game’s flow. However, if Vanderbilt can maintain its rushing efficiency and keep Tennessee’s defensive line at bay, the Commodores can stay ahead and play at their pace.  

Diego Pavia vs. the hype 

Heading into the game this week, all eyes are on Pavia, who is coming off a historic performance against Kentucky. Pavia finished with a program record 484 passing yards, threw for 5 touchdowns and went 32-of-38 on his passing attempts. He also ranks first among SEC quarterbacks in passing yards. It’s clear that Pavia has solidified his case for the Heisman Trophy. 

However, with the nation watching Pavia, Tennessee is looking to be both a spoiler for Vanderbilt’s playoff chances and Pavia’s Heisman hopes. Tennessee has only lost two home games this season, both within one score to No. 4 Georgia and No. 8 Oklahoma. Playing on the road in Knoxville could be a challenge, as both of Vanderbilt’s losses this year have been away.  

Tennessee’s challenge will not solely be contained to Pavia but also managing the pressure his confidence can create. Vanderbilt has been averaging 458.2 total yards per game, with plenty of those yards coming off Pavia’s ability to create when plays fall apart.  

No. 14 Vanderbilt will travel to Knoxville on Nov. 29 to play Tennessee, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CST.