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Tennessee football at Vanderbilt: 10 keys for Vols and Commodores

By Caleb Calhoun

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 7: Harrison Bailey #15 hands off the ball to Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 7: Harrison Bailey #15 hands off the ball to Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Vanderbilt offensive coordinator Todd Fitch watches his team against Florida during the second quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Florida 011
Vanderbilt offensive coordinator Todd Fitch watches his team against Florida during the second quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Nas Vandy Florida 011 /

8. Is either team excited to play this game?

We go from discipline to motivation. Could our first three keys be anymore reliant on platitudes and cliches that all coaches focus on? Well, excitement is a big deal in this one, as neither team has reason to have any. Both enter in the worst situation and are probably waiting for this odd year to come to an end.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are 0-8 and have fired Derek Mason. Coming off a bye, this will be their first game under interim head coach Todd Fitch. With the way things have gone, they almost certainly want this season to be over.

On the other side, Tennessee football started the year in the top 25 and made it to 2-0, extending their winning streak to eight games dating back to the previous year. Now they have lost six straight, have no hope at a winning record and can’t find an offense. Jeremy Pruitt is under more fire than ever.

Tons of players on both sides are now deciding to opt out. With their eligibility protected, there’s no reason for them to put their bodies on the line for a wasted season. Taking this all into account, if either team has motivation on Saturday, that team will have a huge advantage.

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