It is a 1 this year. I think the only people who would give it an 8 are those who live near Nashville, and are actually exposed to their local media. On paper, it is an important game, and I expect the team to treat them with the respect the weekly opponent deserves. You can't overlook anyone. And I guess it is possible for 30 players for the Vols to get injured, and Vanderbilt to play 5 or 6 of their better women's soccer team players to provide an unforseen wrinkle.
But I believe we will see South Alabama as a more prestigious opponent. Just based on what Vanderbilt has shown (or failed to show) this year. And it is all because Vanderbilt does not truly invest in football. If they ever did, they would be finding a spot to build a 80,000 seat stadium, or convince the Titans to allow them to use their stadium on Saturdays.
If we were still being coached by Dooley, Butch, or Pruitt? Vanderbilt might be a 5. If you are giving them an 8? You need to cancel your subscription to the Tennessean, and stop tuning into whatever radio or TV channels in Nashville is trying to talk them up. Maybe ETSU would like to join the SEC while Vandy joins the Southern Conference. Even after not having a football team for 12 years, they are actually building something. Beating them might be a 6. Vandy might be a -1, but that was just below the scale you asked for.