Dylan Sampson Speaks Candidly About Tennessee-Vanderbilt Showdown
The Tennessee Volunteers have spent much of the 2023 season fighting for positioning in the highly competitive SEC, with expectations running high following a strong 2022 campaign. As the Volunteers head into their rivalry game against the Vanderbilt Commodores, it’s no secret that many in Knoxville view the matchup as a must-win to finish the season on a high note. But amid all the talk of bowl games and playoff implications, one Tennessee player, running back Dylan Sampson, spoke bluntly about the true significance of the game.
“Look, we all know what this game means,” Sampson said. “It’s about dominance. This is about reminding everyone in the SEC who we are. It’s a chance to prove that Tennessee doesn’t take a backseat to anyone, especially to Vandy.”
Sampson’s words came as a stark reminder of the disparity between the two teams in terms of historical success, recruiting power, and overall performance in recent seasons. Tennessee has consistently been one of the stronger teams in the SEC, while Vanderbilt has long struggled to be competitive in the conference. For many, the Volunteers’ rivalry with the Commodores is more about securing bragging rights in the state of Tennessee rather than any serious championship implications.
Yet, as Sampson’s comment makes clear, the psychology of this rivalry is rooted in more than just postseason positioning. There’s a deep-seated belief that for Tennessee to truly prove itself as a powerhouse in the SEC, they must dominate rivals like Vanderbilt every year.
“It’s not just about the win,” Sampson continued. “It’s about how you win. We want to send a message. This is the kind of game where you show the world that the Vols don’t take any opponent lightly, regardless of the records. And we know what we’re capable of, so we’re going to make it count.”
Sampson’s statement also underscores an important point in college football—games like these matter more than the stats show. Sure, Tennessee is favored heavily in this game, but the Volunteers know that a slip-up here could sour the narrative around their season. In their eyes, a dominant performance against Vanderbilt is the perfect way to cap off their regular season and build momentum heading into bowl season.
For Vanderbilt, the motivation is simple: they see this as their biggest opportunity of the year to prove they can hang with an SEC heavyweight. While the Commodores may be underdogs, rivalry games are often unpredictable, and a win over Tennessee would be a massive statement.
As the game approaches, the energy is palpable on both sides. For Tennessee, it’s not just about securing a victory—it’s about sending a clear message that they aren’t satisfied with mediocrity. The Volunteers are aiming to finish the season strong, with the hopes of better days ahead and a reminder that in college football, no one should take Tennessee lightly.
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