The thought of Tennessee losing back-to-back games to Vanderbilt seemed unfathomable in years past. The Vols hadn’t lost consecutive games to their in-state rival since 1926.

But the Commodores weren’t the same team that played the role of “little brother” in the annual rivalry. Vanderbilt hired former Maryland offensive James Franklin as its head coach in 2011 and began its best three-year stretch in school history. The Commodores went 24-15 (11-13 SEC) and made three consecutive bowl appearances, winning back-to-back games during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

While Vanderbilt saw success, Tennessee was stuck in a tailspin. The Vols were 15-21 during former coach Derek Dooley’s tenure, which ended with a 41-18 loss to — you guessed it — Vanderbilt in Nov., 17, 2012. Tennessee hired former Cincinnati coach Butch Jones several weeks later.

Jones has improved the program, signing a top-5 recruiting class and leading his team to a potential bowl appearance. The Vols need a win on Saturday to end their three-year bowl drought.

While Tennessee’s fortune has changed for the better, Vanderbilt’s seems to be getting worse. In January, Franklin left the program to accept the head coaching position at Penn State. The Commodores hired former Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason six days later.

Mason has struggled in his first year after inheriting a depleted roster. Vanderbilt lost starters and had depth issues throughout the season.

Tennessee is expected to reclaim its dominance in the Volunteer State rivalry Saturday. The Vols are a 17-point favorite and have won two of their last three games. Tennessee can earn revenge after back-to-back losses to its in-state foe.

The Commodores would enjoy nothing more than spoiling the Vols’ postseason chances. Vanderbilt’s fanbase has always had an inferiority complex with the Tennessee program and would consider a victory on Saturday the perfect ending to an otherwise miserable season.

Though the roles have been reversed, the rivalry between Tennessee and Vanderbilt still holds importance. Despite Vanderbilt’s lack of success, the Vols will seek revenge in Saturday’s game. The Commodores look to ruin Tennessee’s season with their third consecutive win.