Shocking Upset: Tennessee Football’s Last-Second Touchdown Shakes Up Playoff Race

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Neyland Stadium turns into the epicenter of SEC drama this afternoon when No. 19 Tennessee football hosts No. 14 Vanderbilt in the 119th edition of the state rivalry. While the Volunteers’ own College Football Playoff path effectively closed weeks ago, Josh Heupel’s squad can still shape the national picture by knocking the Commodores out of contention—an outcome that would simultaneously secure a 9-3 regular season for Rocky Top fans. Why this game matters • Playoff stakes: Vanderbilt enters the weekend as the first team outside the CFP’s top 12, meaning a loss in Knoxville would almost certainly end any path to the final four. • Vols momentum: Tennessee ripped off back-to-back wins over Kentucky and Florida, the latter a 31-11 statement in The Swamp that bumped the Vols to 8-3 and lifted them one spot in the latest playoff rankings. • Neyland sellout streak: Today marks the program’s 27th consecutive sellout, a testament to fan energy that has translated into a 5-1 home record this season. Key matchups to watch 1. Joey Aguilar vs Commodore secondary – The junior quarterback drives the SEC’s top passing offense (307.9 ypg) and faces a Vanderbilt back end that surrendered 276 yards through the air last week. 2. Third-down defense – Tennessee has allowed only two touchdowns in its last eight quarters; linebacker Elijah Herring anchors a unit holding opponents to 31 percent on third down. 3. Red-zone efficiency – Vanderbilt leans on bruising tailback Re’Mahn Davis inside the 20. Tennessee has given up just two red-zone TDs in its past two outings. The team that forces field goals could decide the rivalry. Injury report • Vols tight end Miles Kitselman (knee) is ruled out, trimming Tennessee’s two-tight-end packages. • Vanderbilt lists leading receiver Jayden McGowan (ankle) as questionable after limited practice reps. What a win means Tennessee: A ninth victory would push the Volunteers into the New Year’s Six conversation and virtually lock up a Citrus or Peach Bowl berth. Vanderbilt: The Commodores would finish 10-2, remain alive for a CFP bid, and snap a five-game losing streak in Knoxville. Kickoff & coverage • Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. • Weather: 54°F, clear skies. • Hashtags & SEO keywords: Tennessee football, Vols vs Vanderbilt, College Football Playoff, Neyland Stadium, SEC rivalry game. Bottom line Tennessee football can’t crash the playoff this year, but the Vols can crash the Commodores’ dream season and send their own senior class out with a signature win. Expect an electric, orange-clad Neyland as Rocky Top tries to play spoiler—and bolster its bowl résumé in the process.