The Vandy-UT game suddenly feels like a big deal

The complexion of the Vanderbilt-Tennessee soccer sport has definitely modified in the previous couple of weeks.

• What appeared like a throwaway sport between a nationwide title contender and an SEC doormat has abruptly taken on rather more significance.

State of play: The Commodores are using excessive on a two-game profitable streak after downing Florida final week. They want a victory to change into bowl eligible.

What he is saying: “We’re conscious of the truth that we have now an opportunity to increase our season,” Vandy coach Clark Lea informed the media yesterday.

• AP sports activities reporter Teresa Walker points out the Dores have not been bowl eligible since 2018, and this system endured a jaw-dropping 26-game SEC dropping streak throughout that skid.

In the meantime: The Volunteers are on the downswing after getting throttled by South Carolina and dropping star quarterback Hendon Hooker, who’s been within the dialog for the Heisman Trophy, to a torn ACL.

Sure, however: Regardless of the groups being on reverse trajectories, the oddsmakers are nonetheless closely favoring the Volunteers, who’re 14-point favorites in keeping with DraftKings.

• The playoffs could also be out of attain, however Tennessee nonetheless wants a win in an effort to attain the very best bowl sport.

By the numbers: Tennessee has received three straight video games towards Vanderbilt, although the rivals have evenly cut up the final 10 video games within the collection.