No. 18 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3 in Southeastern Conference) takes on No. 12 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2 in SEC) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. EDT) for the final regular season game of the year, inside Neyland Stadium. The keys to a Volunteers victory are found below:   

For the first time in school history, the Tennessee Volunteers have three receivers with over 700 receiving yards. The explosive air attack of quarterback Joey Aguilar and wideouts, Chris Brazzell II, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley have anchored one of the top offenses in the country this season. Supplemented by a talented running back room led by DeSean Bishop (886 yds, 12 touchdowns), the Volunteers must continue their dominance into Rivalry Weekend against Vanderbilt. Whether it's a commanding game on the ground from Bishop or a jaw-dropping output from Brazzell, this offense has produced exciting results all season. On Saturday, all Vols will be called on to step up and make plays. It is Aguilar’s duty to get his offense into rhythm and distribute the ball to his hot spots on the field for an explosive and efficient offensive assault against the Commodores. 

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is a dynamic playmaker. This bona fide Heisman hopeful has the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs. In his second season with the Commodores, Pavia has made waves in Nashville, averaging an SEC-best 26 touchdowns as well as eight rushing scores on 661 yards. Pavia is most dangerous when he escapes the pocket and threatens to either hit one of his guys downfield, or tuck and run the ball himself. The Vols defensive containment of Pavia is essential to a victory on Saturday. This group struggled to contain Oklahoma’s dual-threat quarterback John Mateer in a week 10 defeat and must learn from its mistakes to limit Vandy’s star QB. If the Volunteers defensive ends can keep contain and hold Pavia in check, Vanderbilt could be in for a rough night. 

In what will likely be his last game in Knoxville, Joey Aguilar must have another career-defining game against Vanderbilt on Saturday. The importance of precision and efficiency are at an all-time high this weekend, as Aguilar and his offense face a disciplined Commodores defense. Ranking 8th in the SEC, Vanderbilt’s defense has recorded 25 sacks this season.  Aguilar has been brought down 13 times this year and has thrown an SEC third-worst 10 interceptions, most of which came as a result of heavy defensive pressure. The Vols’ offensive front must give its all on Saturday to protect its signal-caller. If it gives Vandy’s d-line even the slightest edge, there could be trouble.

Tennessee’s first half offense this season has been a much greater threat to opponents than in the second half. The Volunteers are the second-most efficient first half offense in the country, averaging 25.4 points through the opening two quarters. In the second half of their 11 games this season, the Vols average 16.8 points. Vanderbilt, however, has proven to be a more productive second-half team averaging 20.5 points in the game's back half. Tennessee must win the second half in this game. The Commodores have displayed late-game grit many times this season and are adept at winning games in clutch situations. If the Vols can put together an explosive start, they must find a way to carry that momentum into the third quarter and through till the final whistle.