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Vanderbilt was confident heading into their matchup against Tennessee.
Players vowed things would be different this time around following the beatdowns they had received for the previous five years, and the coaching staff felt like this was their opportunity to get back into the win column by welcoming in a Volunteers team who hasn't been great in conference play.
It looked like that was coming to fruition early on.
The Commodores dominated the opening quarter, jumping out to a quick lead on a kickoff return and forcing some turnovers to help them go up double digits.
But, Tennessee eventually found their footing and scored 29 unanswered points that turned an upset alert into another dominating performance, giving them six straight wins against Vanderbilt that is now the longest streak since the Volunteers won every game from 1983-2004.
It's the unfortunate reality of where this rivalry is right now.
The talent gap is still severe, no matter how much Lea and his staff are trying to close it on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal.
"We got to keep developing our depth and I think that’s a story or a that's a narrative for me that as the season’s gone on it just it feels like we’re having to play closer and closer to a perfect game to to come out on top ... We got to build our depth out. We got to make sure that we have the ability to play over the course of the season, you know, a two deep and at some positions a three deep and not let the play kind of slide off on the field. We've got to continue to enhance and develop our skill," he said after the game.
How Vanderbilt goes about accomplishing that becomes the next question.
They are going to always have a hard time recruiting talent at the level of their fellow SEC opponents because of their stringent academic requirements to get into the school and the lack of overall NIL money flowing through the program comparatively.
That's why it should be remembered this is a long-term build.
College football is a changing landscape at the moment, which should benefit Vanderbilt, but there is still a lot of work to do by Lea and the coaching staff if they are going to turn this program into what they envision.
Saturday was a clear reminder of that.
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Predictions for Michigan State Basketball’s Opener vs. Colgate
Michigan State basketball season is about to begin, as the 22nd-ranked Spartans will open their campaign against Colgate. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Plus. This year's team has a difficult act to follow, as MSU certainly will be a target for everyone they face after going 30-7 last year, making the Elite Eight, and winning the Big Ten by three games. On this episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, let's take a look at this matchup, talk about some of the observations from the team's exhibitions against Bowling Green and No. 4 UConn, and what big things to look for are. The full episode can be watched below. In addition, a quick look at Colgate can be found a little further down. Watch the MSU Spartans Insider Podcast here: Looking at Colgate Looking at the Spartans' opponent, Colgate can certainly be a pesky mid-major for a power conference team to face. KenPom slots the Raiders at No. 205 nationally in its preseason rankings, which is the second-best ranking in the Patriot League. Last season, Colgate had a down year, finishing 14-19 and exiting in the Patriot League Tournament semifinals. But it's a down year because the Raiders had won the Patriot League regular season five times in the six seasons before 2024-25. They won the conference tournament and were the Patriot League's NCAA Tournament representative five times in that span, as well. Colgate played three power-conference opponents last year and was competitive in two of them. The Raiders only lost by two at Syracuse, were routed by 25 at N.C. State, and lost at No. 5 Kentucky by 11. They only trailed by two at halftime of their lone game against a ranked opponent. The best returner Colgate has is junior guard Jalen Cox. His 11.9 points per game were second on the team, but Cox also averaged 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals. He was a Third-Team All-Patriot League honoree and was on the conference's All-Defensive team. Cox is Colgate's only returning player who averaged at least 10 points per game last year. The next-best guy coming back is another junior guard, Parker Jones, who averaged 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season. Among returning players, Jones shot the most three-point attempts per game (4.1), and he made 36.6% of them. Final Prediction: Michigan State 76, Colgate 60 Previous Episode - Recapping a Preventable Loss for Michigan State
Ohio State’s win over Penn State impressed a major SEC commitment who the Buckeyes are trying to flip
Dream (but realistic) trade targets for every MLB team this offseason
Every MLB offseason brings its share of blockbuster rumors and bold predictions, but some trade ideas actually make sense — for both sides. With free agency about to heat up and front offices reshaping rosters for 2026, Yardbarker MLB writers looked at one dream (but still realistic) trade target for every MLB team. From contenders looking for that final piece to rebuilders seeking a spark, these hypothetical moves blend star power with plausibility. Here’s how all 30 teams could swing a deal that transforms their outlook heading into next season (2025 records in parentheses). AL East Baltimore Orioles (75-87) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: The Orioles traded for ace right-hander Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season, and that worked well. Why not try to employ the same strategy with Skubal, an ace in his own right, as Baltimore looks to bounce back from a last-place finish? Skubal’s elite 2.21 ERA in 2025 would be a perfect fit atop the rotation. Boston Red Sox (89-73) | 2B/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: It’s unclear whether prospect infielders Kristian Campbell or Marcelo Mayer are the answer up the middle, but there’s no doubt that Donovan would be an established upgrade over both. The 2025 All-Star would bring positional versatility and solid offensive production (.772 career OPS) to a lineup that had trouble scoring at times. New York Yankees (94-68) | 1B/OF Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: New York could lose outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, so the Yankees theoretically have both of Harper's positions to fill this winter. The veteran’s left-handed swing is made for the Yankee Stadium right-field short porch, which could help him improve upon a 2025 season in which he produced an .844 OPS, the lowest since his rookie season in 2012. Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) | LHP Mackenzie Gore, Washington Nationals: Typically, the Rays trade pitchers who are young but increasingly expensive (LHP Blake Snell, RHP Tyler Glasnow and RHP Chris Archer). This time, though, it could make sense for Tampa to swing for the fences with Gore, who boasts immense strikeout upside (10.4 K/9 in 2025) and is controllable through the 2028 season. The All-Star southpaw could also thrive in the team's analytics-driven pitching lab. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) | RHP Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: The Blue Jays nearly won the World Series, so they have a lot to look forward to. However, it wouldn’t hurt Toronto to replace members of its oldish rotation with someone like right-hander Ryan, whose 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with the Twins in 2025 should make him one of the top trade candidates of this offseason. — Seth Carlson AL West Athletics (76-86) | Infielder Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: The A’s received virtually nothing from second and third in 2025. Former top prospect Zack Gelof should get another chance to prove himself, but the A’s do not have many options at third. Gorman, who hit 27 homers in 2023, may not cost much and could provide a respectable stopgap at the hot corner. Houston Astros (87-75) | IF/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: The Astros missed the postseason for the first time since 2016; the outfield was a key factor in that. Astros outfielders posted a .665 OPS, 25th in the majors. Donovan, who has predominantly played at second and left, would solve a black hole in the middle of the lineup and provide a needed left-handed hitter. Los Angeles Angels (72-90) | RHP Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds: The Angels and Reds line up perfectly as trade partners. The Angels have a logjam in the outfield with either Jo Adell or Taylor Ward expected to be traded during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Reds have plenty of pitching and need help in the outfield. Singer, who has one more year of team control left, would be the most likely Reds pitcher to be dealt. He would solidify the middle of L.A.'s rotation. Seattle Mariners (90-72) | 3B Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies: Because Eugenio Suarez is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Mariners will once again be looking for help at third. Bohm had been on the trading block during the 2024-25 offseason but remained in Philadelphia because no one would meet its price. Bohm hit just 11 homers and 18 doubles in 2025, crushing his trade value. Texas Rangers (81-81) | RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rangers should have a solid top of the rotation with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. However, neither pitcher is a paragon of health. Keller has thrown at least 159 innings in each of the past four seasons and is under team control through 2028. He would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. — David Hill AL Central Chicago White Sox (60-102) | 1B Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox: The rebuilding White Sox made progress in 2025 but have many holes remaining. Acquiring a player such as Casas could be a perfect buy-low option while improving the power for a team that ranked 23rd in the majors with 165 homers. Cleveland Guardians (88-74) | RHP Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins: The Guardians need help in the lineup, but several top prospects are expected to make an impact in 2026. The same cannot be said for the rotation that is lacking a top-of-the-rotation arm. Cabrera finally put everything together for the Marlins in 2025 and is under team control through 2028. Miami has pitching depth, so Cabrera could be available. Detroit Tigers (87-75) | 3B Josh Jung, Texas Rangers: The Tigers need a third baseman and Jung could be the answer. The 2023 All-Star has seen his star dim over the past two seasons as he battled injuries and contact woes. Jung may need a change of scenery and could be what the Tigers need to get his brother, Jace, to tap into his potential. Kansas City Royals (82-80) | OF Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox: The outfield was one of the worst in the majors in 2025, ranking 29th with a .633 OPS. Duran may not be the player he was in 2024, but his ability to drive the ball into the gaps, excellent speed and stellar defense would be a perfect fit in Kauffman Stadium. Minnesota Twins (70-92) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The rotation disappointed in 2025 and sorely needs an ace. The Twins began to dismantle the roster at the 2025 trade deadline, so it's unlikely that pitchers Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan will be with Minnesota in 2026. Both will be expensive. — David Hill NL West Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) | RHP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays: The Diamondbacks had issues with the bullpen throughout 2025 (27th in the league with a 4.82 ERA) and it will likely be a point of emphasis for the team this offseason. Fairbanks totaled 27 saves last season and pitched a career-high 60.1 innings. There is a club option for $11 million that the Rays will likely pick up only if they can trade him. At 32, Fairbanks might be worth it for one season in the desert. Colorado Rockies (43-119) | RHP Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers: It’s a new day in Denver with a new GM coming soon. Colorado desperately needs starting pitching, especially an ace. The Rockies have a crowded outfield in terms of proven players and prospects, so they could work a deal with Milwaukee, a team that they have traded with, and secure a big arm. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) | OF Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians: After a year in which the Dodgers had to overlook some deficiencies in the outfield with Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernandez, landing someone like Kwan makes sense for the two-time defending champions. Kwan doesn’t strike out much (only 8.7 percent of the time in 2025), something the Dodgers needed when their offense sputtered in the postseason. San Diego Padres (90-72) | RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: Depending on what happens with pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, the Padres are going to need someone who can step in as a face of the rotation. Alcantara, 30, has a $19 million deal for 2026 and a $21 million team option for 2027, so he won’t come to San Diego cheap. However, the NL West will be another arms race in 2026, and Alcantara could be a fascinating addition for the Padres. San Francisco Giants (81-81) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: Adding a solid southpaw to the bullpen is rarely a bad move, and the 29-year-old Romero has been quietly building a reputation as one of the best lefties in the late innings. He’s controlled through arbitration through the 2026 campaign and has logged 57 holds over the past three seasons. Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants this offseason. — Kevin Henry NL East Atlanta Braves (76-86) | SS Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros: The former World Series MVP was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2015 but chose not to sign. Perhaps a reunion is in order in Atlanta, which has desperately needed a true shortstop since the departure of Dansby Swanson during the 2022 offseason. The 28-year-old Pena was named an All-Star in 2025, batting .304 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games. Miami Marlins (79-83) | 1B/OF Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals: Miami exceeded expectations in 2025 and, if they have a strong offseason, could be a sleeper contender for an NL wild-card spot in 2026. Before that happens, though, they must solve their first base conundrum by trading for Burleson, who can play there and in the outfield. Burleson, who will turn 27 on Nov. 25, posted a career-high .801 OPS with 18 homers and 69 RBI in 2025. New York Mets (83-79) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: Skubal, in line for his second straight AL Cy Young Award, would be a dream trade candidate for any team but especially owner Steve Cohen and the Mets. New York desperately needs a frontline starter after its pitching largely failed it in 2025. Philadelphia Phillies (96-66) | C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: Longtime catcher J.T. Realmuto is a free agent and, despite entering his age-35 season in 2026, is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. It’s clear the Phillies must get younger at the position, and acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick from Baltimore would be a solid way to secure their future at backstop and keep their competitive window open. Rutschman, who will turn 28 on Feb. 6, hasn't lived up to his draft pedigree but still has decent upside. Washington Nationals (66-96) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The Nationals are more than one piece from being competitive, so Washington’s focus should be who they can acquire in potential trades for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 2B Luis Garcia Jr. and OF Robert Hassell III. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed a wild divisional trade that would send Tong to the Nationals for Gore. — Lauren Amour NL Central Chicago Cubs (92-70) | RHP Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays: Chicago leaned heavily on veteran arms in its rotation, with 34-year-old Matthew Boyd anchoring the staff. Bieber, 30, joined the Blue Jays this season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 1.017 WHIP. With Chicago expected to be a playoff-level team in 2026, Bieber could be another experienced arm to help with a deep postseason run. Cincinnati Reds (83-79) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: The Reds need reliable back-end bullpen arms, and Romero offers late-inning experience. He became the Cardinals’ closer after the team dealt Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. In 2025, Romero posted a 2.07 ERA, a career best in the big leagues, in 61 innings. Milwaukee Brewers (97-65) | 1B Pete Alonso, New York Mets: Milwaukee's lineup struggled to produce consistent power in 2025, finishing 22nd in MLB with 166 home runs. Alonso, who launched 38 home runs — leading all first basemen — would be an immediate upgrade. He also hit .272 and drove in 126 runs, the second most in the majors. Andrew Vaughn filled the role well after being traded to Milwaukee midseason, but Alonso would be the definitive No. 1 option. Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91) | 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays: The Pirates haven’t made much of a trade splash in recent offseasons, so dealing for a proven bat like Lowe would be smart. He hit .256 with 31 home runs in 2025, bringing power and veteran experience to a younger lineup. St. Louis Cardinals (78-84) | RHP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres: The pitching staff lacked swing-and-miss stuff in 2025, finishing 29th in MLB in strikeouts. Cease delivered 215 strikeouts over 168 innings — sixth most in MLB — and led the majors with 11.52 strikeouts per nine innings. — Taylor Bretl
NFL insider says the Commanders are now open to being sellers at NFL trade deadline, with two specific players in mind
The Washington Commanders' season is officially over after getting blown out by the Seattle Seahawks at home and losing quarterback Jayden Daniels with a gruesome elbow injury. The roster needs a complete makeover, and general manager Adam Peters has a lot of work to do this season. The season is still going on, however, and changes can be made right now with the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon. There's no doubt that the Commanders need to recoup as many draft picks as possible since they only have six picks right now, and one NFL insider says they are open to moving several players. The Commanders are open to trading Andrew Wylie or Nick Allegretti The Commanders don't have a lot of assets, but NFL insider Jordan Shultz reports that they are open to trading several players, including offensive linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti. Teams need offensive linemen at the trade deadline, and they should have plenty of buyers who will be interested in either of the two. Wylie restructured his contract to remain in Washington and would likely fetch more draft capital between the two. He has shown that he can play at both tackle and guard, and a playoff team should be all over his availability. Allegretti is absolutely a guard, but he was also taking center reps at training camp, and could be a great piece to add with valuable experience in Washington and Kansas City. The Commanders spent a ton of draft capital on the offensive line between trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round, and the line is still struggling. There's no point in keeping both Wylie and Allegretti with Brandon Coleman back to being active, Sam Cosmi starting again, and Chris Paul becoming the starting left guard. These aren't the only players the Commanders could trade, though. Commanders need to trade whoever they can At this point in the season, the Commanders have to see who they won't be bringing back next year and try to collect picks at the deadline. This list would include Deebo Samuel, Noah Igbinoghene, Jonathan Jones, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez, Bobby Wagner, and Zach Ertz. It should be an all-out fire sale at this point, and all free agents coming up should be shipped away for any draft capital you can get, because a majority of them shouldn't be back next season anyway.
The 'Most 300-yard, 4 touchdown NFL games' quiz
Since the renaissance of Sam Darnold’s career in Minnesota last season, one of the reputational issues the veteran needed to shake was his play in primetime. Against the Washington Commanders on ‘Sunday Night Football,’ he did what he could to put that narrative to bed by completing 21-of-24 passes for 330 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in a dominant 38-14 win. Darnold was deadly accurate Sunday night, completing every pass he attempted in the first half before throwing just eight times in the second half and giving way to Drew Lock in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. The Seahawks gave Darnold a three- year, $100.5 million contract after his career-year in Minnesota last season. So far he’s rewarded them with 2,084 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions en route to a 6-2 record through eight games. Which brings us to today’s quiz. It was the third time of Darnold’s career – and second already of the 2025 campaign – that he’s thrown for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns in the same game. With that being said, can you name every NFL quarterback in the Super Bowl Era to do that at least three times? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
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