NEED TO KNOW
What's at Stake?
The Vols have a chance to lock up their first 10-win season since 2007 and the program's first season with 10 regular-season victories since 2003. A win on Saturday night would also put the Big Orange in prime position to play in their first New Year's Six bowl game since defeating Texas A&M in the 2004 Cotton Bowl.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, will be looking to secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018. The Commodores enter the contest at 5-6 following back-to-back upset victories over Kentucky and Florida.
Nation's Top Offense Resides on Rocky Top
Tennessee's high-powered attack ranks No. 1 in the nation in total offense (540.4), scoring offense (46.5) and passing efficiency (184.81). The Vols are second in passing offense (348.8), third in first downs (294) and fifth in completion percentage (69.6). The Big Orange have amassed a school-record and nation-best 512 points, surpassing last year's record of 511. UT leads the SEC in eight different offensive categories: scoring offense, total offense, passing offense, completion percentage, first downs, fewest interceptions (3), passing efficiency and passing yards per completion (14.81).
It's Joe Time
Redshirt senior Joe Milton III is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Volunteers this weekend after Hendon Hooker suffered an unfortunate season-ending knee injury in last Saturday's loss to South Carolina. Milton opened the 2021 season as UT's starting quarterback before sustaining an injury in the second game of the season. Saturday will mark his third start as a Vol and the eighth of his collegiate career after starting five games at Michigan from 2018-20.
The Florida native is one of the nation's most talented backups and has been lights out in limited action this season, showcasing his incredible arm talent and athleticism. In seven games played this year, Milton has completed 23 of 33 pass attempts for 573 yards (24.9 yards per completion), six touchdowns and no interceptions. He has also rushed seven times for 72 yards.
Record Watch for Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt is within reach of Tennessee's single season record for receiving yards entering Saturday's rivalry game against the Commodores. The junior wideout ranks second in UT single-season annals with 1,181 receiving yards and needs 118 more to break Robert Meachem's program record of 1,298 yards set back in 2006.
Hyatt has had a breakout season in which he's already set program marks for single-season receiving touchdowns (15) and single-game receiving touchdowns (five vs. Alabama on Oct. 15). The South Carolina native is among the favorites for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top pass catcher.
Keepin' It 100
Rocky Top has become a go-to destination for wide receivers since head coach Josh Heupel arrived. Over the past two seasons, UT ranks seventh nationally with 18 individual 100-yard receiving performances. The Vols have had 10 individual 100-plus yard receiving games this season, which is tied for fourth nationally and leads the SEC. Four different Tennessee pass catchers have eclipsed the 100-yard mark at least once this year (Hyatt – 5, Bru McCoy – 3, Cedric Tillman – 1, Squirrel White – 1).
