Tennessee vs Vanderbilt on 11/26 by Craig_Brown

Tennessee watched all their hopes and dreams of getting their ticket punched to the College Football Playoff dashed last week when they were shocked by South Carolina, dropping a 63-38 decision as 23 ½ point road chalk. It was a stunning setback that not only saw all of their success this season diminished by one huge upset loss, but they also saw their starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate, Hendon Hooker, limp off of the field with a leg injury. Senior backup, Joe Milton III, will likely start under center for the Vols.

Although Vanderbilt is not in Tennessee’s class, we should note the Commodores have covered in 5 of the last 6 meetings between these intrastate rivals. And now we see Vandy slaying two dragons in consecutive weeks with a 24-21 win over Kentucky as 17-point road dogs followed by a 31-24 victory over Florida as 13 ½ point home hounds. Would it surprise anyone if Tennessee was not entirely motivated for this contest against a 5-6 team after what they endured last week? I think the oddsmakers are giving the home team too many points and we will gladly take advantage of their largesse.