Optimism abounds around Vanderbilt as the Commodores are getting set for their second bowl game in three seasons.

Vandy not only won its third consecutive over Tennessee, something not done since a 6-game streak in the 1920s, but coach Derek Mason now has beaten three different Tennessee coaches in each of the past three seasons. The program as a whole has beaten four Vols coaches en route to winning 5 of the past 7.

Mason not only danced on the field after the win, but took that energy into the post-game press conference.

“This football team and this football program will not be forgotten,” Mason said. “These seniors will not be forgotten. We talked about being relevant. We’re going bowling, baby.”

Given the 6-6 record, there appears to be three main bowl destinations for Vanderbilt as Selection Sunday comes this week:

3. Belk Bowl, Dec. 29, Charlotte

This might be a long shot, but at least one projection has a possible matchup with the ACC’s Georgia Tech, or maybe Virginia. This would be an upgrade in quality of opponent compared to the other options, and could help the SEC-against-the-world argument that comes with the post-bowl conference breakdown.

This has the makings of an exciting game as three of the past six contests have seen the winning team reach at least 48 points. A couple of SEC dignitaries have also been MVPs in this game, Georgia’s Nick Chubb and Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott.

The weather is largely similar to Nashville, so outside of the get-out-of-town appeal to this bowl, this is a question of which top Southern city is preferable.

2. Music City Bowl, Dec. 28, Nashville

The ‘Dores have twice played in this game in the past decade, and have been mentioned multiple times as a participant to compete against an ACC or Big Ten foe. While it’s at Nissan Stadium, the bowl game should get a boost in ticket sales from casual fans looking for an entertaining option during the holiday season as they’ve likely already checked out all other traditional events.

Depending on the opponent and specific matchup, one thing to keep in mind is the game typically has a history of upsets. Though Northwestern edged Kentucky last season, 24-23, two years ago, it was Tennessee upsetting Nebraska 38-24, while Louisville beat Texas A&M in 2015, and Notre Dame beat LSU the year before that. The SEC is 1-3 in its past four games here.

The weather should be in the 40s, but it’s not out of the question to have a 50-degree day with sunshine, which is completely welcome in late December.

It’s not a Florida destination, but Vanderbilt fans could do plenty with the build-up to this game including the battle of the bands, welcome parties and other VIP restaurant events. Aside from local fans, think of alumni who could make a weekend out of it as a sort of unofficial homecoming celebration.

1. Birmingham Bowl, Dec. 29, Birmingham

This would help those looking for a storyline as Vanderbilt beat Houston in this game in 2014, then known as the BBVA Compass Bowl, 41-24. It was during a high point of Vanderbilt football, being the program’s fourth bowl in six seasons, but it also came as coach James Franklin faced questions about other jobs, including at Penn State, and in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns.

History suggests it’s a mixed bag for the SEC, as the conference is just 4-3 in the game since it began in 2006. Though several projections suggest the opponent could be Memphis or Cincinnati.

The weather is typically slightly better than Nashville this time of year, as temperatures are typically in the high 40s and low 50s. For those looking to branch out with their barbecue taste buds, this could be an appealing destination.