Vols Football: Tennessee-Vanderbilt A Relevant Rivalry?

Nov 2, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Missouri won 31-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like forever ago, but it was just two years ago that Derek Dooley’s famous Vanderbilt quip was recorded for the world to see.

The Commodores exacted their revenge last season in a game that Vol fans would like to forget forever.

Tennessee’s 41-18 loss to Vanderbilt last year was the definition of Dooley’s tenure with the Vols.

Dooley completely mismanaged the game, yanking Tyler Bray (who had thrown for over 1,300 yards in his previous three games) in the second quarter, only to put him back in the game in the third quarter.

Tennessee fired Dooley the next day and the rest is history.

Now, as a result of last season’s blowout loss, Tennessee’s annual matchup with Vanderbilt has more of a true rivalry feel to it.

That’s intensified this season due to the major implications this game will have on Tennessee’s post season hopes for the second straight year.

Just like last season, a loss to the Commodores would eliminate the Vols’ chances at a bowl game.

Reaching a bowl game is imperative for this Tennessee team. It would show fans progress, but more importantly it would send the seniors out on a high note.

That’s something they have not experienced very often during their time on Rocky Top.

What used to be considered a one-sided rivalry with Vanderbilt is now viewed a little different by senior offensive lineman James Stone.

"Stone: They have a good football team at Vanderbilt. It is just a competitive game and it is something that we have to really focus on, them being a instate rival. It is a very physical, competitive game"

Vanderbilt is no joke this season. They went down to Gainesville and knocked off Florida last week.

Even though Florida is definitely a shell of what they were earlier this season, it’s still an impressive win.

There’s absolutely no reason to think that Vanderbilt isn’t capable of beating Tennessee at Neyland.

Of course there’s also no reason that Tennessee shouldn’t be able to beat Vandy by two or three scores.

It all depends on what Tennessee team shows up. If it’s the team that played against South Carolina and Georgia, then it will be long day for the Commodores.

If it’s the team that showed up against Missouri and Auburn…..well it’s just going to be a long day for everyone.

Regardless of what transpires on November 23, this rivalry is finally an actual rivalry.