Tennessee is 15 minutes away from bowl eligibility.
The Vols didn't do much to clinch it in the third quarter though.
Jonathan Crompton threw his first interception in 142 attempts, another drive was derailed by a personal foul penalty and UT gave up a Vanderbilt field goal, but it still leads 24-13 at Neyland Stadium.
Rico McCoy and Herman Lathers have combined for 23 tackles for UT's injury-ravaged defense, which has allowed a few long drives but only one touchdown so far.
Senior running back Montario Hardesty has piled up 109 yards and a touchdown in his home finale.
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