The Vanderbilt Commodores did not close out the 2024 regular season how they wanted to, but they have a chance to bring back some momentum with their first bowl

Ultimately, 13 SEC teams ended up being bowl-eligible. There are nine SEC bowl tie-ins. That means that if four SEC teams make the College Football Playoff, all SEC teams will end up in an SEC bowl. That became more likely after Miami's loss to Syracuse.

Each of Vanderbilt football's first three seasons under Clark Lea ended with a loss to Tennessee that wasn't particularly close. The 2024 season won't end that way, even as the Commodores once again got boatraced by their rival yet again.

The Vols’ defense, which held Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia to 104 passing yards, contributed to the scoring with a third-quarter safety that made the score 33-17. Tennessee’s run of 29 straight points culminated with a Max Gilbert’s 22-yard field goal that gave the Vols a 36-17 lead with 8:24 left in the contest.

Here's what Clark Lea and Vanderbilt football need to do to turn their attention to the transfer portal and bowl prep after losing to Tennessee.

Vanderbilt football has lost two in a row, but it's still headed to a bowl game. The Commodores (6-5, 3-4 SEC) conclude their season Saturday ( 11 a.m. CT, ABC) against Tennessee. After that, they will find out their bowl destination for the first time since 2018.