Vanderbilt Vs. Tennessee: Last Vandy Win?

# When Was the Last Time Vanderbilt Beat Tennessee? A Deep Dive

The rivalry between Vanderbilt and Tennessee is one of the oldest and most storied in college football. For Vanderbilt fans, one question always lingers: When was the last time the Commodores triumphed over the Volunteers? In this article, we'll explore the history of this rivalry, pinpoint the last Vanderbilt victory, and examine the factors that contributed to that memorable win. We’ll also look at the overall series trends and what the future might hold for this classic SEC matchup.

## The Last Vanderbilt Victory: A Detailed Look

### Date and Score

The last time Vanderbilt beat Tennessee was on **November 26, 2016**. The Commodores defeated the Volunteers with a final score of **45-34**.

### Game Highlights

This game was a significant moment for Vanderbilt, marking a definitive win in a series often dominated by Tennessee. Key highlights from the game include:

*   **Offensive Performance:** Vanderbilt’s offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up significant yardage and points.
*   **Kyle Shurmur's Performance:** Quarterback Kyle Shurmur had a standout game, making crucial throws and leading the offense effectively.
*   **Running Game Dominance:** The Commodores’ running game played a pivotal role, controlling the clock and keeping the Tennessee defense on its heels.
*   **Defensive Stops:** Vanderbilt's defense came up with key stops, preventing Tennessee from mounting a comeback.

### Key Players

Several players stood out in this Vanderbilt victory:

*   **Kyle Shurmur (QB):** Shurmur’s leadership and passing accuracy were instrumental in the win.
*   **Ralph Webb (RB):** Webb’s powerful running and ability to break tackles kept the offense moving.
*   **The Offensive Line:** The offensive line provided excellent protection and opened up running lanes, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

## Historical Context of the Vanderbilt-Tennessee Rivalry

### Series Overview

The Vanderbilt-Tennessee football series dates back to the late 19th century. Tennessee holds the overall advantage in the series, but there have been periods where Vanderbilt has shown its strength. Understanding the historical context helps appreciate the significance of each win.

### Notable Vanderbilt Wins

Aside from the 2016 victory, other notable Vanderbilt wins include:

*   **2013:** Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee 14-10, marking another significant win in recent history.
*   **2012:** The Commodores won 41-18, showcasing a dominant performance.
*   **2005:** Vanderbilt secured a 28-24 victory, breaking a long losing streak against the Volunteers.

### Trends and Patterns

Analyzing the trends in this rivalry reveals:

*   **Tennessee's Dominance:** Historically, Tennessee has been the stronger program, leading in overall wins.
*   **Vanderbilt’s Upsets:** Vanderbilt has had moments of brilliance, pulling off upsets that energize their fan base.
*   **Close Contests:** Many games in this series have been closely contested, adding to the rivalry's excitement.

## Factors Contributing to Vanderbilt's 2016 Victory

### Coaching and Strategy

Vanderbilt’s coaching staff implemented a game plan that exploited Tennessee’s weaknesses. Key strategic elements included:

*   **Offensive Flexibility:** The ability to mix passing and running plays kept the Tennessee defense guessing.
*   **Defensive Adjustments:** Timely defensive adjustments disrupted Tennessee’s offensive flow.
*   **Special Teams Execution:** Solid special teams play contributed to field position and momentum.

### Player Performance

The exceptional performance of key players was crucial. Specifically:

*   **Quarterback Leadership:** Kyle Shurmur’s poise and decision-making were critical.
*   **Running Back Impact:** Ralph Webb’s consistent gains and tough running wore down the Tennessee defense.
*   **Defensive Intensity:** The defense’s ability to pressure the quarterback and make tackles for loss was a game-changer.

### Team Dynamics and Morale

Team dynamics and morale played a significant role:

*   **Confidence:** Vanderbilt entered the game with confidence, believing they could win.
*   **Team Unity:** Strong team unity and chemistry were evident on the field.
*   **Resilience:** The team showed resilience in the face of adversity, bouncing back from setbacks.

## The Aftermath and Impact

### Immediate Reactions

The immediate reactions to Vanderbilt’s 2016 victory were filled with excitement and pride:

*   **Fan Celebration:** Vanderbilt fans celebrated the win, savoring a rare victory over their in-state rivals.
*   **Team Recognition:** The team received accolades for their performance and resilience.
*   **Media Coverage:** The game garnered significant media attention, highlighting Vanderbilt’s achievement.

### Long-Term Effects on the Rivalry

The win had several long-term effects:

*   **Recruiting Boost:** The victory helped boost Vanderbilt’s recruiting efforts, attracting talented players.
*   **Program Momentum:** It provided momentum for the program, building confidence for future seasons.
*   **Increased Fan Engagement:** The win increased fan engagement and excitement around Vanderbilt football.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### 1. When was the last time Vanderbilt beat Tennessee in football?

The last time Vanderbilt beat Tennessee in football was on November 26, 2016, with a final score of 45-34.

### 2. Who were the key players in Vanderbilt's 2016 victory over Tennessee?

Key players in the 2016 victory included quarterback Kyle Shurmur and running back Ralph Webb, both of whom had outstanding performances.

### 3. What were the main highlights of the 2016 Vanderbilt-Tennessee game?

The main highlights included Vanderbilt's strong offensive performance, Kyle Shurmur's exceptional quarterback play, and a dominant running game led by Ralph Webb.

### 4. How does Vanderbilt's 2016 win fit into the overall historical context of the rivalry?

While Tennessee holds the overall advantage in the series, Vanderbilt's 2016 win was a significant moment, showcasing the Commodores' ability to compete and win against their rivals.

### 5. What factors contributed to Vanderbilt's success in the 2016 game?

Factors contributing to Vanderbilt's success included strategic coaching, exceptional player performances, and strong team dynamics and morale.

### 6. How did the 2016 victory impact Vanderbilt's football program?

The 2016 victory provided a recruiting boost, built program momentum, and increased fan engagement, contributing positively to Vanderbilt's football program.

## Conclusion

The last time Vanderbilt beat Tennessee was a memorable moment for Commodore fans, showcasing the team's ability to compete at a high level. The 2016 victory, driven by strong offensive play, key player performances, and strategic coaching, remains a highlight in the storied history of this rivalry. As Vanderbilt continues to build its program, fans eagerly anticipate the next victory against the Volunteers. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on this classic SEC matchup.

**Ready to dive deeper into college football rivalries? Explore our other articles for more insights and game analysis!**