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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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Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Will Vanderbilt have any answer for Vols’ rushing attack?

For all of Tennessee football’s issues when it comes to defending the pass, the Vanderbilt Commodores have worse issues when it comes to stopping the run. Add in the fact that their defensive line is depleted due to other issues, which we’ll get to later on in this post, and they could be in serious trouble on Saturday.

Vandy is tied with the Ole Miss Rebels for the worst rush defense in the SEC, as both give up over five and a half yards a carry. Now, the Commodores are pretty bad at defending the pass as well, giving up over eight and a half yards a carry, but they’re slightly better than even the Vols on that front. Stopping the run is their main issue.

Meanwhile, one positive on the Vols’ offense is their rushing attack. Sure, they are averaging just over three and a half yards a carry, but that is largely due to sacks allowed. The running backs have been solid, in particular Eric Gray, who does have just under 700 yards on the year. He and Ty Chandler are both in the top 20 in the league.

Last year, Gray’s breakout game came against Vandy, as he had 246 yards and three touchdowns. Could a similar performance be in the worst against a Vandy rush defense that truly is awful? If they can’t get a stop, they’re in big trouble.

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