Josh Heupel and Tennessee football start the 2024 season with high expectations, despite finishing 9-4 in 2023 with a Citrus Bowl victory against Iowa.
The 35-0 victory over Iowa was a huge confidence boost for the Volunteers and their new starting quarterback, former five-star Nico Iamaleava. There appears to be some excitement growing in Knoxville, and with possibly the best quarterback to come through the program since the Heupel era, fans are dreaming of an SEC championship.
However, these are the three most significant games that the Volunteers will face.
3. at Oklahoma (Sept. 21)
The first conference game of the season happens to be a big one for Tennessee. This might establish the tone for the remainder of the season.
Suppose Nico Iamaleava can travel on the road in his first SEC start and beat the newcomer Oklahoma Sooners, who are likely to be rated at this stage in the season. In that event, Tennessee will send a message to the rest of the country that it will not be messed with.
A loss here might kill Tennessee’s chances of making the playoffs or winning the SEC title, although this may not even be one of the season’s top three toughest games. A loss would have a significant impact on the rest of the season, especially with a tough string of games coming up following this. It may demoralize the squad and its quarterback.
Winning would have the opposite effect.
2. at Georgia (Nov. 16)
Why isn’t this the toughest game Tennessee will face this season? Well, considering no one truly wins at Georgia these days, it is not expected.
I believe it is possible, and Tennessee is one of just a few teams capable of pulling off such an upset, but I do not see it occurring with a first-year starting quarterback.
So, why is this game so crucial if I can’t see the Volunteers pulling off an upset? Well, if Tennessee can start the season 8-1 or 9-0 (a big “if”), a close loss to Georgia may keep the Volunteers in the playoff picture. If the playoff committee believes Tennessee can compete with Georgia on the road, it has a shot to make the playoffs despite having two defeats and no appearance in the SEC championship.
I don’t see this occurring, but there is always the possibility that a close loss will enhance the Volunteers’ playoff chances.
1. Alabama (Oct. 19)
This seems like an obvious No. 1 on Tennessee’s schedule.
Obviously, Alabama is a major adversary of the Volunteers, therefore Tennessee wants to win this game simply because beating the Tide is at the top of its priority list each year. However, a win might put Tennessee in a position to challenge for the SEC championship.
The last time these two teams met in Knoxville, Tennessee won handily, shocking Nick Saban and Alabama on their way to a wildly successful 2022 season.
Saban’s absence makes this game slightly less star-studded, but it still vital even with Kalen DeBoer guiding the Crimson Tide. The fact that the greatest college football coach of all time has passed does not mean that Alabama will disappear or that Tennessee will no longer despise the Tide.
This game will have a significant impact on the SEC title race, and the winner may very possibly play in the league championship game in December.
