The Tennessee Vols erase an early 0:14 deficit and defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – The Vols trailed Vanderbilt 14-0 less than five minutes into the game, but Nico Iamaleava threw four touchdown passes to lead Tennessee to a 36-23 win.

Vanderbilt junior Sherrill scored the first kickoff from 100 yards to make it 7-0. Vandy’s first kick return for a touchdown since August 23, 2023.

The Commodores were quickly back in scoring position after Nick Rinaldi recovered a fumble by Dylan Sampson. Sedrick Alexander capitalized by taking a handoff to the outside and into paydirt for a 14-0 lead.

The Vols found the end zone on their second drive. Nico Iamaleava hit Dont’e Thornton over the middle for a 28-yard touchdown.

After a Brock Taylor field goal gave Vandy a 17-7 lead, the Vols went to fourth down and one at midfield. Miles Kitselman was crammed in line.

Tennessee stopped Vandy from midfield in the fourth. The Vols settled for a field goal. Max Gilbert hit the post from 50 meters away. He made his third straight field goal from 50 or more yards.

Tennessee tied the game on its next drive. Iamaleava found Thornton again on a post route for an 86-yard touchdown.

The Vols’ offense continued. Iamaleava sat patiently in the pocket and found Kitselman over the middle, giving him an 18-yard score and a 24-17 lead at halftime.

Tennessee began to retreat. Iamaleava whipped a 14-yard pass to freshman Mike Matthews for his second career touchdown catch.

Dylan Sampson finished the game with 178 yards on 25 carries. He has 1,485, which is the highest in program history, surpassing Travis Stephens, who had 1,464 in 2001.

Thornton had three catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, Jermod McCoy had an interception. Jaxon Moi packed a sack. Arion Carter, Will Brooks, Bryson Eason and Omarr Norman-Lott finished with half a sack.

NEXT: The College Football Playoff rankings will be updated Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tennessee will have championship weekend off and then await final College Football Playoff rankings on Dec. 8 at noon.