Vanderbilt Coach Refuses To Say ‘Tennessee,’ Calls Vols ‘Team Out East’

Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason would only refer to Tennessee as “the team out East” on Tuesday.

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Vanderbilt, fresh off a 51-0 loss to Mississippi State, is 3-8 overall and 0-7 in Southeastern Conference play. But that hasn’t stopped the Commodores from talking a little trash in advance of its game against Tennessee on Saturday.

Vandy coach Derek Mason refused to call Tennessee by its name during a press conference Tuesday, referring to them as “the team out East” instead, according to the Tennessean.

"“They can say Tennessee if they want. I’ll say the team out east,” Mason said. “They are a good football team, but they’re just the team out east. We are Vanderbilt, and they are the team out east.”"

Mason wasn’t the only Commodore to go after the Volunteers.

"“Ugly orange,” special teams captain Andrew Eastsaid, referring to the Vols. “It’s a rival, so you approach them differently.”"

This is certainly a bold strategy by Vandy. Tennessee is a 17-point road favorite and many believe they’ll roll over Vanderbilt. It wouldn’t be a good look for the Commodores if they get blown out by the Vols after talking this much.

It appears Tennessee is having fun with all the talking, though.

"During Tennessee’s practice Monday, coach Butch Jones said over the loudspeaker, “It’s a beautiful day for the team from the east to practice,” referring to Mason’s comment."

Tennessee can become bowl-eligible with a win over Vandy.

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