Tennessee football vs. Vanderbilt: 10 keys to the game
![Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Elijah McAllister (1) celebrates a Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) interception in the first half. The Florida Gators lead 21-0 at the half over the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday afternoon, October 9, 2021 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2021Flgai 100921 Gatorgamevandy](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F44185228a61c0467320e30a017ef23186eb4421812b0a5429a2d5508318ca1be.jpg "Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Elijah McAllister (1) celebrates a Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) interception in the first half. The Florida Gators lead 21-0 at the half over the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday afternoon, October 9, 2021 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2021Flgai 100921 Gatorgamevandy")
3. Lack of interceptions by Vols vs. Vandy’s ability to get interceptions
Sticking with big plays, this is one trend that will break and involves elite skills on both sides. Vanderbilt has an issue throwing interceptions. Let’s get that out of the way. They have thrown 13 on the year, tied for No. 114 nationally.
Luckily for them, Tennessee football is not great at intercepting the quarterback, but they aren’t bad, coming in at No. 60 nationally with nine picks, and even that’s skewed, as four came in one game. What really stands out, though, is how the other sides will do when it comes to this.
Vandy matches its issues with throwing interceptions by picking up interceptions. They rank No. 18 nationally by picking off the same number of passes on the season they have thrown, 13, which could be an advantage here. The problem? UT doesn’t throw interceptions. They have just three on the year, tied for third fewest in the nation.
Taking that into account, this is the biggest storyline of trends breaking. If they break Vanderbilt’s way, you’re looking at a much closer game than expected. However, breaking it the other way is the only way for Vanderbilt to make this interesting. A couple of sacks and interceptions all of a sudden makes this game close.