It ended like most Vanderbilt seasons—with a loss in the final game. But it was more disappointing than many of the two-win seasons this program has cranked out in the last 25 years.

A 31-16  defeat at Tennessee finished Vanderbilt's campaign at 2-10 overall and 0-8 in the Southeastern Conference, a major letdown after last year's bowl season.

"This definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth," linebacker Chris Marve said. "This is definitely motivation and fuel for this offseason to train hard and not be complacent."

Following a seven-win season and a victory in the Music City Bowl, the Commodores had their heart set on a second straight bowl trip.]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:35:59 PST ncaaf urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,sportsxchange:20080101:ncaaf,article,teamreports-2009-ncaaf-vva:1 AP

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has had to reach so far down his depth chart because of injuries that even he wasn't sure who was on the field. The Volunteers beat in-state rival Vanderbilt 31-16 on Saturday night playing with a third-string middle linebacker, a walk-on outside linebacker and walk-on placekicker Devin Mathis.