The Tennessee Vols and the Vanderbilt Commodores are one of the longest-lasting rivalries in college football, dating back to 1892.
Despite its historical roots and intense in-state pride, this rivalry lacks an official name. However, the stakes remain clear: a fight for bragging rights in the Volunteer State. Separated by 180 miles along I-40, these two teams meet annually for rivalry week.
The Vols and the Commodores have faced each other 118 times, with Tennessee taking the series lead by a wide margin. The Vols have won 78 of the 118 matchups, losing 35 and tying five times.
In the early days, Vanderbilt dominated the rivalry. The Commodores posted a 19-2-3 record from 1892 to 1927, controlling with authority. Much of their success can be credited to Dan McGugin, one of the Commodores’ most successful coaches. He won 13 of his 23 matchups with the Vols, solidifying Vanderbilt as a powerhouse in the early era.
Although the Commodores had the upper hand, that completely shifted in 1926 when the Vols hired Robert Neyland. Neyland was hired by Nathan Dougherty, an ex-football player and chairman of the athletic council, to “even the score with Vanderbilt.” Neyland embraced the challenge and was successful, winning 18 of the 21 matchups he had with them in his legendary career.
The hiring of Neyland completely flipped the script of the rivalry, as the Vols dominated the rest of the 20th century. From 1927 onward, they won 60 of the remaining 71 games. This includes the beginning of the longest win streak in rivalry history, with Tennessee winning 22 straight games between 1983 and 2004.
Vanderbilt has made a slight resurgence as of late, winning five of the last 10 games after Tennessee had to vacate wins in 2019 and 2020 for recruiting violations. Despite splitting the series since 2012, the Vols still lead in the 21st century, 16-6.
This rivalry may not have the iconic moments that the Alabama or Florida rivalry carries, but one game in particular stands out lately. In 2016, the Vols headed west to Nashville for the yearly matchup. Tennessee was vying for a spot in the Sugar Bowl and needed a win over unranked Vanderbilt. Alabama had lost to Auburn, and Florida went on to lose to Florida State, so that meant a Vols win would secure them a spot. Tennessee went up two scores in the first half but was outscored 21-3 in the second half to lose, 45-34, sending the Vols to the Music City Bowl instead.
This year’s matchup has similar shades to the infamous 2016 clash. The Vols once again find themselves on the verge of the playoffs with the expanded College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt — who has been long since eliminated — anticipates playing spoiler in this game.
Tennessee and Vanderbilt will be taking the field in Nashville once again, giving the Commodores an additional edge in the 2024 contest.
