No. 7 Tennessee gives up 1st 14 points before rallying to rout Vanderbilt 36-23
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/George Walker IV]
NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying No. 7 Tennessee from a 14-point deficit within the first five minutes to rout in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. The Volunteers improved to 10-2 overall. They needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee enough to earn a home playoff game in December after being ranked eighth earlier this week. The Vols beat Vanderbilt for a sixth straight season. Tennessee also rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava’s first three TD passes.
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Tennessee players celebrate the team's 36-23 win against Vanderbilt after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/George Walker IV