The Tennessee Volunteers travel to Nashville to face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Vols hold a 73-30-5 advantage in the all-time series, while the Commodores have won the past two meetings.

Tennessee looks to earn bowl eligibility for the first time since 2010. The Vols are 2-1 since naming Joshua Dobbs their starting quarterback in Week 10.

Here are three bold predictions for Saturday’s game.

  1. Tennessee will hold Vanderbilt scoreless- Vanderbilt’s offense has struggled all season against SEC teams. The Commodores rank No. 121 in total yards, No. 106 in passing offense, No. 114 in rushing offense and No. 118 in scoring offense. Tennessee has kept five teams under 150 yards and should hold an advantage in Saturday’s matchup.
  2. Jalen Hurd will rush for a career-high rushing total- Jalen Hurd has surpassed his previous season-best rushing total five times this season, with his highest output coming against South Carolina in Week 10. The true freshman has developed into an elite SEC tailback and continues to prove validity to his five-star prospect rating. Hurd should provide a memorable performance against a Vanderbilt defense that could be without its leading tackler, redshirt freshman Nigel Bowden.
  3. Vanderbilt makes at least one quarterback change- The Commodores have switched quarterbacks more than 10 times this season. Johnny McCrary should start, but could split time with Patton Robinette. If Tennessee’s offense forces turnovers, the Vanderbilt quarterback roulette may continue on Saturday.

Final Score: Tennessee- 45, Vanderbilt- 0. Head coach Derek Mason refused to call Tennessee by name earlier this week. His players shared his sentiments, calling the Vols “the team from the east” among other things. Tennessee is a 17-point favorite and holds the advantage in talent disparity. Among all these factors, the Vols will look to claim redemption after suffering two straight losses to their in-state rival.