Vanderbilt’s Last Neyland Win: Unforgettable Chaos On and Off the Field
The Vanderbilt Commodores are aiming for a significant milestone as they prepare to face the Tennessee Volunteers this Saturday. Currently, they hold a 9-2 record under Coach Clark Lea. A victory at Neyland Stadium would not only be their first win in Knoxville since 2017 but would also grant Vanderbilt its inaugural 10-win season in school history.
Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee: A Historic Rivalry
The upcoming game is not just about achieving a historic win; it also reflects the evolution of both programs since their last meeting in 2017. At that time, Tennessee was struggling with a dismal 0-8 conference record, marking their first-ever winless SEC season. The Volunteers had begun the season with high hopes but faced a tumultuous collapse under Coach Butch Jones, culminating in his firing.
A Season in Turmoil
Tennessee’s 2017 season began with an overtime win against Georgia Tech but quickly unraveled. Key losses included:
- First SEC defeat against Florida
- Inability to secure victory against Massachusetts
- A final record of 4-8 overall
In total, three different quarterbacks started games, none achieving over 1,000 passing yards. The instability would lead to a chaotic coaching search following the loss to Vanderbilt.
The Coaching Carousel
Following Vanderbilt’s triumph, Tennessee athletic director John Currie believed he had found a solution in Ohio State’s Greg Schiano. However, public outcry over Schiano’s alleged past forced the university to withdraw the offer. This created further instability, leading to Currie’s departure and the eventual hiring of Jeremy Pruitt as head coach.
Vanderbilt’s Stronger Position
Contrasting Tennessee’s struggles, Vanderbilt had achieved notable success under coaches James Franklin and Derek Mason. Between 2012 and 2020, Vanderbilt won five of seven matchups against Tennessee. Key victories included:
- Franklin’s back-to-back wins in 2012 and 2013, marking the first consecutive wins since the 1920s.
- Mason’s three straight victories from 2018-2020.
With three wins in Knoxville since 1975, Vanderbilt has seen a resurgence in the rivalry. Their solid performance during this period demonstrated a shift in control, as the Commodores established a stronger presence in SEC football.
A Turning Point for Vanderbilt
Prior to the era of Franklin, winning consistently at Vanderbilt was challenging. The program had only managed nine wins once, back in 1915. Since then, they had experienced numerous winless seasons. Nevertheless, under Mason, the team showed promise with records of:
- 6-7 in 2016
- 5-7 in 2017
- 6-7 in 2018
This revitalization under Mason marked an upward trend in the program’s direction, highlighting its potential growth.
Record High and Low Moments
The end of the 2017 season coincided with wider upheaval in college football. Notable upsets included:
- Alabama losing to Auburn
- Miami falling to Pitt
These shifts significantly altered the landscape of college football leading into the playoff selections.
As Vanderbilt gears up for the pivotal matchup against Tennessee, both teams reflect on their journeys. The occasion offers a chance for Vanderbilt to etch a new chapter in its football history, while Tennessee seeks to solidify its resurgence in the sport.
