NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The University of Tennessee trailed Vanderbilt University 14-0 less than five minutes into the game, but Nico Iamaleava threw four touchdown passes to lead the Vols to the 36-23 win.
Vanderbilt's Junior Sherrill took the opening kickoff 100 yards for the 7-0. It was Vandy's first kick return for a touchdown since Aug. 23, 2023.
The Commodores were quickly back in scoring position after Nick Rinaldi recovered a Dylan Sampson fumble. Sedrick Alexander capitalized by taking a handoff to the outside and into pay dirt for a 14-0 advantage.
The Vols found the end zone on their second drive. Iamaleava hit Dont'e Thornton over the middle for a 28-yard touchdown.
After a Brock Taylor field goal to give Vandy a 17-7 lead, the Vols went for it on fourth down and one at midfield. Miles Kitselman was stuffed at the line.
Tennessee stopped Vandy on fourth down from midfield. The Vols settled for a field goal. Max Gilbert hit the upright and in from 50 yards out. His third straight made field goal from 50 or more yards.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) scores a touchdown past Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch past Vanderbilt safety CJ Taylor (1) and cornerback Martel Hight (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, right, makes a catch past Tennessee defensive back Christian Harrison (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) breaks up a pass intended for Vanderbilt wide receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee tied the game on their next drive. Iamaleava found Thornton again on a post route for an 86-yard touchdown.
The Vols' offense continued to click. Iamaleava patiently sat in the pocket and found Kitselman over the middle for an 18-yard score and a 24-17 lead at the break.
Tennessee started to pull away. Iamaleava whipped a 14-yard pass to freshman Mike Matthews for his second career touchdown catch.
Dylan Sampson finished the game with 178 yards on 25 carries. He has 1,485, which is the most in program history surpassing Travis Stephens who had 1,464 in 2001.
Thornton tallied three catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Jermod McCoy had an interception. Jaxon Moi wrapped up a sack. Arion Carter, Will Brooks, Bryson Eason and Omarr Norman-Lott finished with a half of a sack.
NEXT UP: The College Football Playoff Rankings will be updated on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tennessee will be off during championship weekend and then wait for the final College Football Playoff Rankings on Dec. 8 at noon.
