On November 29, 2014, the University of Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores in the annual rivalry game, securing a dominant 24-0 win at Vanderbilt Stadium. This victory was a significant moment in Tennessee’s season, marking the end of a disappointing period for the program and helping to set the stage for their future resurgence.
At the time, Tennessee was in the midst of rebuilding under second-year head coach Butch Jones, following a period of instability in the coaching ranks and underperformance on the field. The Vols had endured years of mediocrity, and while Jones had shown progress, Tennessee was still working to reclaim its place as a competitive force in the SEC. The win over Vanderbilt was crucial, not only because it gave Tennessee their first win in the series since 2012, but also because it provided momentum going into the offseason.
The game itself was marked by a dominant defensive performance from Tennessee, who shut out their in-state rivals for the first time since 1980. The Volunteers’ defense, under defensive coordinator John Jancek, smothered Vanderbilt’s offense throughout the game. The Commodores struggled to move the ball, with the Tennessee defense creating pressure, making tackles for loss, and forcing turnovers when needed. The shutout was a testament to the hard work and development that the defense had undergone during Jones’ tenure.
Offensively, Tennessee was led by freshman quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who had become the starter midway through the season. Dobbs had shown flashes of brilliance in previous games, and this performance was one of his most complete outings. He accounted for three touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground—showing his dual-threat ability. His connection with receivers like Marquez North and Jason Croom, along with the steady running of Jalen Hurd, helped propel the Vols to victory. Dobbs’ growth throughout the season, particularly in the second half of the year, was one of the bright spots for Tennessee.
Tennessee’s 24-0 victory over Vanderbilt was also symbolic of the rivalry’s significance. Despite Vanderbilt’s struggles in 2014, the game was always going to be hard-fought, and the shutout victory marked a significant shift in the dynamic between the two programs. It was a clear statement that Tennessee, under Jones, was trending upward and that the Volunteers were returning to form as a competitive SEC team.
This win also proved to be a confidence booster heading into the offseason. Tennessee finished the 2014 season with a 7-6 record, including a bowl appearance in the TaxSlayer Bowl. While the season was still a work in progress, the defeat of Vanderbilt and the development of key players, especially Dobbs, made it clear that Tennessee was on the right path. The Vols would go on to experience more success in the following seasons, ultimately returning to prominence in the SEC and becoming a contender in the East Division.
In retrospect, Tennessee’s victory over Vanderbilt in 2014 remains an important marker in the program’s resurgence under Butch Jones. It served as both a capstone to a rebuilding year and a sign of brighter days ahead for the Volunteers.
