Vanderbilt picked up a signature rivalry win Saturday, smashing multiple Tennessee milestones in a 45-24 win. The effort capped the program’s first 10-win season and produced its highest score against the Volunteers since 1923 — a 102-year stretch that now stands alone in school history.
Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia threw for 268 passing yards and a touchdown, plus 165 rushing yards and a 24-yard third-quarter scoring burst that swung the game in Vandy's direction. Running back Sedrick Alexander added 115 yards rushing and three scores, helping Vanderbilt churn 582 total yards to snap Tennessee’s six-game win streak in the series.
Vanderbilt’s breakout star is now pushing into the national spotlight. Pavia’s dual-threat performance placed him in preliminary Heisman Trophy discussions, as the seasoned senior continues to guide an impressive ground game and a belief that their playoff resume that deserves committee consideration.
Tennessee (8-4, 4-4, No. 19 CFP) was led by QB Joey Aguilar’s 299 yards and a TD, while RB DeSean Bishop contributed 97 yards and two scores.
Both teams wait to see how the postseason will shake out. Tennessee was projected where Vanderbilt currently is at. A major shake-up for this year in SEC play.
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