Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander

Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander

 Photo: David Russell

In the aftermath of Vanderbilt’s 45-24 thumping of Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville, coach Clark Lea did all he could to sell his Commodores as a team worthy of inclusion in the College Football Playoff.

But it’s looking increasingly likely that Vandy (10-2, 6-2), despite producing a school-record 10 wins this season, may have to settle for a bowl trip to sunny Florida as a consolation prize.