Tennessee Vols off to worst start possible in do-or-die game vs. Vanderbilt

This is the last thing the Tennessee Vols football team needed to get things going against the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville. In the blink of an eye, Vanderbilt jumped out to a 14-0 lead due to self-inflicted wounds by the visiting side.

First, Vanderbilt gave up a 100-yard kickoff return to open the game. Wow. Then, two plays into the day for the Tennessee offense, star running back Dylan Sampson fumbled the ball deep in Tennessee's own territory. Less than five minutes into the game, Vandy was indeed up two scores. What in the heck is going on?

Tennessee is off to a nightmare start against Vanderbilt

Is anyone going to remind Josh Heupel and his players that the Vols have to win this game to reach the College Football Playoff? With a victory, not only will Tennessee be in for the CFP, but the team will likely host a first-round game.

UT also entered this game as double-digit favorites. However, the sluggish start has everyone worried right now. Vandy's start could not have gone better, as the Commodores have been able to land some early haymakers on Tennessee.

This is a big rivalry game and Vandy is the one ready to rock. On the other side of the field, Tennessee can't seem to get anything done right. The Vols need to wake up and they need to do so fast, as Vanderbilt will continue to make them pay if the intensity isn't picked up.

The pressure is on for both sides of the ball. Will Nico Iamaleava and the O get back on the right track and remind Vanderbilt that they're the No. 8 team in the country? We sure hope so.

UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published, Tennessee was able to answer, with Nico Iamaleava firing a strike to Dont'e Thornton Jr. for a 28-yard score.