After shutting down the Arkansas Razorbacks last week, the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers (7-3, 4-2) will enter Saturday's game as the top team in the SEC East and remain in control of their own destiny.

With victories against Vanderbilt this weekend and Kentucky on Thanksgiving weekend, the Vols garner an SEC Championship game birth for the first time since 2004.

"It's a great opportunity in front of us," said Head Coach Phil Fulmer, "Our focus is on Vanderbilt and preparation during the course of the week. We need to carry that preparation into the football game and play a really sound, solid game because that's exactly what Vanderbilt does."

The Commodores (5-5, 2-5) have struggled to close out games this season but have given formidable opponents a run for their money. They performed admirably against UGA, leading the game until a costly fumble turned the tide for Georgia. Wins over South Carolina and Miami of Ohio show Vanderbilt is capable of the upset.

Vanderbilt is lead by one of the most prolific recievers in the history of the SEC, Earl Bennett, but the Commodores have received very little production from the rest of the offensive unit. The Commodores 21.9 points per game ranks second worst in the SEC.

The have Vols struggled with consistency on defense throughout the season, but in the past three games they seem to have finally hit their stride.

With improved play in every phase of the defensive game, the Vols were able to limit one of the top running teams in the country in Arkansas and the number two passing team in the SEC in South Carolina.

"We're excited about the game. I'm looking forward to getting to the practice field today and positioning ourselves to finish this season like we want to," said Fulmer.

Seniors to be honored during pre-game 

Before Saturday's 2 p.m. kickoff, 23 members of the senior class will be honored for their contributions to the program during their time at UT.

The seniors that will be running through the "T" for their final time this weekend are Erik Ainge, Chris Brown, Sinclair Cannon, Brad Cottam, Michael Crain, Dylan Dickey, Michael Frogg, Adam Gillem, Bo Hardegree, Jonathan Hefney, Inquoris Johnson, Steven Jones, Ryan Karl, J.T. Mapu, Cameron Mayo, Xavier Mitchell, Roy Olasimbo, Jarod Parrish, Antonio Reynolds, Kirk Swearingen, Ja’Kouri Williams, Casey Woods and Eric Young.

"I would challenge our fans as we go into this week—we’ve done very well at home—to be early and loud and honor our seniors before the game," Coach Fulmer said. "I think that’s one of the great moments we have here at Tennessee when they get to run through the “T” for the final time. We have [23] guys making that trip."