Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt: How to Watch, Kickoff Time, Odds, and What to Expect in Today’s In-State Showdown

Tennessee closes the regular season today with a rivalry clash against Vanderbilt in Knoxville, a game that carries stakes for both programs. The Volunteers aim to secure a marquee win to polish their résumé, while the Commodores arrive with postseason ambitions and a headline-making quarterback adding juice to the matchup. Expect a frenetic pace, big-play swings, and a raucous Senior Day atmosphere at Neyland Stadium.

Where to watch Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt today

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT)
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app (authentication required)
UK time: 8:30 p.m. GMT
Note: Schedule and coverage details are subject to change.

Quick viewing guide

• Arrive early: Senior Day festivities can slightly alter the pregame rhythm.

• Expect tempo: Both offenses are comfortable operating quickly, creating short drives and sudden momentum swings.

• Weather check: Late-November in Knoxville typically favors a lively crowd; wind and late-afternoon shadows can subtly affect the kicking game.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt odds, line and totals

• Point spread: Tennessee by roughly a field goal (around -2.5)

• Total: Mid-60s (shootout potential)

Markets project a one-score game with volatility—ideal conditions for live swings if either defense forces an early mistake.

Diego Pavia vs. the Vols’ defense

Few storylines loom larger than Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s dynamic quarterback whose blend of creativity, deep-ball aggression, and off-script playmaking has powered one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. Tennessee’s task is twofold:

1. Win first downs to make Vanderbilt’s tempo operate behind the chains.

2. Discipline at the edges—contain scrambles and late-developing throws that turn broken pockets into explosives.

The Volunteers counter with speed at linebacker and a secondary that has produced timely takeaways in big moments. If Tennessee steals a possession (short-field turnover or fourth-down stop), it can flip the game state and force Vanderbilt to chase.

Josh Heupel’s blueprint and the home-field surge

Josh Heupel is unbeaten against Vanderbilt during his tenure in Knoxville, and his home game scripts have often featured early shots to loosen coverage before leaning on tempo and the run game to stack possessions. Tennessee’s offense thrives when it:

• Hits one-play explosives off play-action.

• Keeps penalties down to avoid living in 2nd-and-long.

• Finishes red-zone trips with touchdowns, not field goals.

The crowd should matter. Neyland’s late-season energy—especially on rivalry weekend—tends to accelerate game flow for the home team and complicate opponent protections and route timing.

Matchups that decide Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

• Explosive plays (20+ yards): Whichever side wins shots downfield likely wins the game. Vanderbilt’s vertical concepts stress safeties; Tennessee counters with layered zone looks that bait throws into tight windows.

• Pass rush vs. pocket movement: Pavia extends plays; the Vols must compress escape lanes without over-running. Conversely, Tennessee’s protection against simulated pressures will dictate whether its passing game can stay on schedule.

• Hidden yards: Special teams, field position, and post-penalty recovery—small swings that add up in a one-score spread.

What channel is the Tennessee game on today?

ESPN carries today’s Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt game, with streaming on the ESPN app. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. GMT). If you prefer audio, check your local Tennessee or Vanderbilt radio affiliates for live coverage.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt prediction

With tempo on both sides and quarterbacks willing to push the ball, this profiles as a high-variance, high-scoring afternoon. Tennessee’s home-field push and situational defense give the Vols just enough edge in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Tennessee 38, Vanderbilt 34
Likely script: Early trading of explosives, a momentum-swing takeaway in the middle quarters, and a late Tennessee drive to ice it.

Fast facts for fans

• Series trend: Tennessee has dominated recent meetings and enters with confidence at home.

• Star power: Diego Pavia’s improvisation vs. Tennessee’s speed is the chess match to watch on every snap.

• Bowl & playoff angles: A Tennessee win boosts bowl positioning; Vanderbilt’s broader ambitions hinge on surviving a hostile road test today.

Settle in—this rivalry tends to deliver drama, and all signs point to another electric chapter in Knoxville.