Tennessee Schedule Preview: The Gauntlet
Tennessee could cruise past their first four games with ease. At a glance, the only on-paper test will be at Florida in week three. While Tennessee may be subject to "The Swamp Curse," the Gators are one of the worst rosters in the SEC. The real challenges come in week five and on, and I forecast those games here.
Week 5: Tennessee vs. South Carolina
I'm not going to lie. Watching Tennessee's pass rush in week one and watching South Carolina's offensive line, this matchup should heavily favor the Vols. We already knew the Gamecocks offensive line was banged up, but allowing nine sacks to a team that finished 129th in sacks per game last season blew away everyone's expectations. Fortunately for the Gamecocks, Juice Wells' injury wasn't too serious, just a re-aggravation of an existing foot injury. Wells is questionable to play in week two, so it's reasonable to assume he will be good to go by week five. Another aspect of this is that this is a revenge game for Tennessee. The Gamecocks ended their playoff hopes last season in Columbia, so there is a chance that if Tennessee is up a lot this year, they will try to pour it on.
Week 6: Bye
Week 7: Tennessee vs. Texas A&M
Let's clarify: This is not 2022 Texas A&M. The Aggies looked like a vastly different team in week one against New Mexico than last season. Connor Weigman looks like one of the best quarterbacks College Station has seen in a while, and those weapons out wide will be a challenge and a half for Tennessee to deal with. There are only a couple of wide receiver groups that I would take over Texas A&M's, and none of them are in the SEC. Evan Stewart could be an All-American, and along with him are Ainias Smith, Noah Thomas, and Moose Muhammad. We know how much talent they have on defense, with guys like Walter Nolan and Shemar Turner rushing the passer. Overall, the Aggies may have more talent than the Vols, but the question is how developed they are. Tennessee getting this game at home is key.
Week 8: Tennessee @ Alabama
If you haven't figured it out by now, this is the hardest stretch on Tennessee's schedule and one of the hardest 3 or 4 game stretches in the entire country. Texas A&M being as good as they are makes me think that the Vols can't overlook them. However, no matter how they treat Alabama, the Tide is a different animal. Tennessee's win over Alabama last season marked the first win for the Volunteers over the Tide in Nick Saban's tenure. The last time the Vols won in Tuscaloosa was 2003. Alabama will bring in a completely different style, unlike last year's team. Gone are the days of Bryce Young's absurd playmaking and pocket navigation, and it is the power running game that Alabama leaned on early in Saban's Bama days. Quarterback Jalen Milroe grabbed the starting gig and accounted for five touchdowns in his season debut, looking like a real dual-threat option. JC Latham is one of the country's more talented offensive tackles, and uber-talented freshman Kadyn Proctor is opposite him. On the defensive line, they bring back guys like Jaheim Oatis, Justin Eboigbe, and projected first-round pick Dallas Turner.
Week 9: Tennessee @ Kentucky
Texas A&M and Alabama are both super physical teams, and Kentucky is no different despite being less talented. Going to Kroger Field and coming out with a win will be extremely difficult based on where it is in the schedule. The Cats are well-coached, with head coach Mark Stoops leading the program, and should be better offensively with offensive coordinator Liam Coen back. Coen does a good job designing an offense that gets playmakers in space and makes the quarterback's job easier. The Wildcats have a talented trio of wideouts - Barion Brown, Dane Key, and Tayvion Robinson can all make plays after the catch to help new quarterback Devin Leary. The offensive line also looks to be much improved with transfer portal additions. On defense, defensive coordinator Brad White is still calling plays, which means the defensive unit should be scary again.
Kentucky QB Devin Leary after a win over Ball State on September 2nd, 2023, in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Jordan Prather of USA Today Sports)
You Might Also Like:
- Josh Heupel Developing His "Joe Milton Formula"
- Is Dylan Sampson Ready To Be A Feature Back?
- Conference Context: Where Tennessee Sits After Week One
Join the community:
Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.
