NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s rivalry week – and how both teams got here is about as particular as can be.
Vanderbilt and Tennessee were originally scheduled to face each other for the 115th time Nov. 30. But the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic forced that matchup to be postponed until this week.
That doesn’t mean the Commodores are any less excited for a crack at the Volunteers.
“When this game got (postponed) two weeks ago, you could feel a little bit of a letdown. The air kind of went out of the balloon a little bit because this game is so fun for our players,” Vanderbilt interim head coach Todd Fitch said. “We have a lot of crossover, in-state, local guys. So every game has a different meaning and this game means a little bit more.
“It certainly doesn’t hurt us that this is who we play this week. I think it adds a little bit of motivation for the players that are out there.”
Vandy last played Nov. 28, when kicker Sarah Fuller made history and global headlines in a loss at Missouri. Since then Vanderbilt had a game at Georgia postponed until Dec. 19 and this week’s game rescheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium.
Fitch is also trying to manage a roster for the home finale that has shrunk considerably since the the start of the season in September due to opt outs over COVID-19 concerns, transfers or injuries.
Those who are still wearing the black and gold practiced Sunday and Monday before taking Tuesday off to make sure all their academics are in order during final exams week. The Commodores will return to work Wednesday to tidy up preparations for Saturday’s showdown.
“Right now we have some guys out, but we feel like we can go ahead and play this thing,” Fitch said. “It’s really all about player safety and player welfare. Right now we feel really good about being able to put a team out there and compete well in the game.”
Tennessee has had struggles of its own in 2020.
Head coach Jeremy Pruitt has watched his squad lose six games in a row after beating South Carolina and Missouri, respectively, to start the season. Tennessee is allowing 35.2 points per game during that stretch and now ranks last in the SEC in third down conversions.
Four different quarterbacks have thrown a pass for the Volunteers’ inconsistent offense in 2020.
“I know they have a couple quarterback options, but they’ll run their offense,” Fitch said. “I’ve watched a little bit of the tape and I watched a little bit of the game Saturday night. They may not do as much passing, but they’re still running their offense.”
Vanderbilt will also allow Saturday to serve as a recognition event for the team’s many seniors. It’s a class that has helped the program to two bowl games and three wins over arch-rival Tennessee.
That group will also be playing their final home game for an interim coach.
“Really proud of the guys out there. The energy, the attitude has really been good the last few days and I think they’re excited about playing,” Fitch added. “I think they understand they have to treat each one of these opportunities as special and I think they’re looking forward to getting out there.
“I’ve been pleased with the leadership. (Senior) Andre Mintze, I give credit to him the last couple days, has really stepped up his leadership role. I’ve been really happy for him and proud of him and other guys are doing the same thing.”
— Chad Bishop covers Vanderbilt for VUCommodores.com. Follow him @MrChadBishop.
