Tennessee’s Coach Offers High Praise Ahead of Finale

Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, has made it clear that his team is not underestimating Vanderbilt as they approach their final regular-season game. Despite Vanderbilt’s recent loss to LSU, the Commodores still have the chance to play spoiler and disrupt the College Football Playoff picture if they can defeat their in-state rivals.

Currently sitting at 6-5, Vanderbilt has already secured a bowl game berth. However, a win over Tennessee could significantly impact the playoff race, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry game.

Tennessee, which started the season strong but faced struggles later due to offensive issues, is well aware of the challenge Vanderbilt presents. The Commodores have been competitive throughout the year, upsetting Alabama, losing narrowly in overtime to Missouri, and keeping games close against Texas and LSU. As a result, Tennessee knows they cannot afford to overlook their opponents, who would love nothing more than to derail the Volunteers’ national championship aspirations.

Heupel expressed respect for Vanderbilt early in the week, ensuring his team avoids giving the Commodores any extra motivation for an upset. “Big road game. Playing a really good football team in Vanderbilt. You look at what they’ve done throughout the season, but statistically they do a great job of tying all three phases together. They play complementary football. They’re smart. They’re tough. They’re physical. They’re disciplined. They make you earn it,” Heupel said, according to Grant Ramey of Volquest.

In previous seasons, such comments might have seemed like typical coach-speak, but this year, they carry more weight as a serious warning to his team. Vanderbilt has proven it can compete with top-tier SEC teams, using a modified offensive system based on triple-option principles to control the clock and frustrate opponents, especially with the new rules preventing the clock from stopping after first downs. Tennessee, which has struggled with consistency on offense at times, could find this style of play troublesome.

Vanderbilt is also hoping for a strong performance from their dual-threat quarterback, Diego Pavia, who has been integral to their success this season despite battling injuries. Pavia’s ability to challenge opponents both with his arm and his legs has been a key part of the Commodores’ offense, and he could have one final chance to cement his legacy at Vanderbilt with an upset victory over Tennessee. Even if he leaves Nashville after just one season, pulling off a win in the finale would surely make him a program legend.