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Following the 2024 regular season, the College Football Playoffs will consist of 12 teams. This means Tennessee has a chance to advance to the playoffs. Here are the three most important games Tennessee must win in 2024 to make the playoffs.
3 Biggest games for Tennessee in 2024
Tennessee vs. Alabama (Oct. 19)
Tennessee is playing against Alabama on October 19th. This game against Alabama is extremely important for Tennessee. Despite having a new coach, Alabama remains a strong team. If Tennessee wins, it will be a huge deal and help them advance to the playoffs. Beating Alabama at home would be an impressive feat for the playoff committee. Losing would be bad for Tennessee, especially since Alabama has changed coaches.
Tennessee at Oklahoma (September 21).
Tennessee will play at Oklahoma next season, which is known for being very loud and tough on visiting teams. This will be Oklahoma’s first game in the SEC, and they are excited to face Tennessee.
If Tennessee’s young quarterback Nico Iamaleava performs admirably under pressure and wins this game, Tennessee’s college football ranking will improve. Oklahoma is also expected to be a strong team, so beating them on the road would be a significant accomplishment for Tennessee.
Tennessee’s only other tough road game is against Georgia. If Tennessee loses to both Oklahoma and Georgia, they will have no significant wins away from home.
Tennessee vs. Florida (Oct. 12)
Tennessee has a chance to beat Florida this season! Florida has struggled recently, and Tennessee won their last home game against them in 2022. This year’s game will be played at Neyland Stadium, giving Tennessee a home-field advantage.
The Gators will not have it easy next season. They play a very tough schedule against many strong teams. This means Florida may not be at their very best when they face Tennessee.
Tennessee cannot afford to lose to Florida. Despite the fact losing to top teams like Alabama and Oklahoma would be disappointing, a loss to Florida would be far more devastating for the Vols.
Georgia may be tough but not a deal-breaker
Tennessee faces an important hurdle on the road against Georgia, a team that has won two championships in recent years. Beating the Bulldogs would be a huge boost to Tennessee’s playoff chances, but it isn’t necessary.
Even if they lose, Tennessee should not drop too far in the rankings, particularly if the game is close. The Tennessee Volunteers now have more playoff spots available than in the past, giving them a little breathing room.
Take Away:
This year’s college football playoffs have 12 more spots, giving Tennessee a better chance of making it. To get there, they must win three important games.
Competing with challenging teams like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Florida is critical for Tennessee’s playoff hopes. Winning against Georgia would be fantastic, but it isn’t vital because there are more playoff spots available.
The college football playoffs are bigger this year than usual, so Tennessee has a better chance of making it! To make it, they must win three big games. If they play well and win the right games, the Vols could advance far in the playoffs and possibly win the championship!