In an unforgettable regular season finale, quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a heroic performance, rallying the Tennessee Volunteers from an early 14-point deficit to a decisive 36-23 victory over in-state rival Vanderbilt. With playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the No. 8-ranked Vols showcased their resilience, securing a sixth consecutive win against the Commodores.
A Nightmare Start Turns Into Redemption
Tennessee’s hopes seemed in jeopardy as Vanderbilt stunned the largely orange crowd at FirstBank Stadium. Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, and a Dylan Sampson fumble set up another Commodore score just minutes later. However, Iamaleava responded with a commanding performance, throwing for 257 yards and four touchdowns.
“Finishing the way that we needed to and wanted to is always sweet,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “These guys earned the right for this to be a big game, and they took it.”
Iamaleava Takes Charge
After the shaky start, Iamaleava connected with Dont’e Thornton Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown to spark the comeback. His 86-yard catch-and-run TD to Thornton electrified the Vols’ offense, followed by an 18-yard scoring strike to Miles Kitselman. By halftime, Tennessee led 24-17, riding the momentum of three straight touchdown drives.
Iamaleava’s sharp play continued into the second half, as he added a 14-yard touchdown to Mike Matthews. Despite an early interception, the quarterback remained poised, scrambling for 42 yards and avoiding sacks. Postgame, Iamaleava downplayed his heroics, saying, “I still feel like I can do better.”
Tennessee’s Dominance After Halftime
The Vols outclassed Vanderbilt in the second half, flipping the script on time of possession and limiting the Commodores to just 11 offensive plays. Tennessee’s defense, ranked sixth nationally, held Vanderbilt to 212 total yards and recorded a safety to widen the gap.
Running back Dylan Sampson, despite not scoring for the first time this season, shattered the program’s single-season rushing record with 1,485 yards, surpassing the previous mark set in 2001. “I don’t know if anybody’s played the position better than he has this year,” Heupel said of Sampson.
Playoff Implications
With a 10-2 record and an undefeated home season at Neyland Stadium, Tennessee remains in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. Hosting a playoff game would cap a stellar season, showcasing the Volunteers’ dominance and resilience under Heupel’s leadership.
This victory not only secures bragging rights over their in-state rivals but also positions Tennessee as one of the most formidable teams heading into the postseason.
