Final score predictions for Tennessee-Vanderbilt: Can the Vols clinch their first-ever playoff spot?

The Tennessee Volunteers have a lot on the line when they head to Nashville for their annual intrastate showdown with the Vanderbilt Commodores.  It's pretty simple: win and the Volunteers will clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. 

However, Diego Pavia and the Dores will have something to say about that.  Head coach Clark Lea admitted this week that this game is personal, and Vanderbilt would love nothing more this season than to knock their biggest rival out of the playoff while reaching win #7 in the process. 

How will this game play out?  A to Z Sports college football writers weighed in with their predictions. 

Tennessee 30, Vanderbilt 17

After taking down Alabama it looked like Vanderbilt might have something special. However, they’ve lost three out of their last four games and haven’t eclipsed 200 passing yards in that span. Tennessee’s defense should completely shut the Commodore’s down for much of the game. The Vols offense hasn’t been perfect this season, but with a playoff spot on the line Dylan Sampson and Nico Iamaleava do enough to get the job done.

-Travis May

Tennessee 27, Vanderbilt 19

Visions of 2016's loss in Nashville that ended UT's chances at the Sugar Bowl have likely danced around some Vol fans' heads this week.  However, that team didn't have this Tennessee defense to anchor it.  

The Commodores have been fading over the last few weeks, looking vulnerable up front.  As long as Tennessee remains assignment sound against the Dores' read option game, they should be alright.  Offensively, the Vols pound away with Dylan Sampson and move the chains with a short passing game that (wisely) involved its talented tight end room more last weekend. 

Some nail biting amongst the Vol faithful, but they go home very happen on Saturday afternoon. 

-Craig Smith

Tennessee 30, Vanderbilt 20

There isn’t usually much hype outside of the Volunteer state for the Tennessee/Vanderbilt game, but that’s not the case this season. For the Vols, it’s a de facto playoff game. Win and you’re in the 12-team playoff. Lose and you’re probably heading to Florida for a non-playoff bowl game. Vanderbilt is playing well this season, and they’re motivated to beat the Vols. 

This is a game where the pressure is on Tennessee. Fortunately for the Vols, they know what’s at stake. And they know they can’t take the Commodores lightly. That’s why I think Tennessee will ultimately prevail in what should be a competitive matchup. The Vols’ depth and talent advantage should be the difference in this one. As long as Tennessee contains Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, they should be able to leave Nashville with a win. 

-Zach Ragan