Following the 2024 regular season, an expanded College Football Playoff format will feature 12 teams.
This results in tennessee Soccer in a position to earn a spot in the bracket.
Here are the three big games the Vols need to win to qualify for the new playoffs.
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1) vs. Alabama (10/19)
It is different Alabama The team is stronger than usual, but defeating the Tide still carries weight.nevertheless nick saban He is retired and karen deboer is currently the leader, but Alabama is still projected to be at the top of the SEC.
If the Vols can deal with the Tide for the second year in a row at Neyland Stadium, it would be a symbolic win that helps them get back on track. For Alabama to overcome the emotions of returning to Knoxville and win the rivalry showdown could pay off big in the committee's eyes.
Losing to the Tide isn't an unforgivable mistake for Tennessee's record, but it won't do the Vols any favors. Given the changes in Tuscaloosa, there aren't many excuses to lose this game against Alabama.
2) Oklahoma State (September 21)
Tennessee is entering what could be one of the harshest environments in the country next year. Oklahoma is known for its effective home-field advantage, and playing in its first SEC game against the Vols will only amplify that advantage.
For red-shirt freshmen Niko Iamareava If he can keep his cool in Norman and beat the Sooners in his first SEC start, Tennessee will rocket up the rankings early this year. Oklahoma State is expected to be another team with a shot at making the playoffs, and taking care of business on the road will be a tough deal.
Due to the schedule, the only road test the Vols have to worry about is going out to play. georgia. If Tennessee can't handle the Sooners and loses to the Bulldogs in Athens, it means they won't have an impressive road win.
3) vs. Florida (October 12)
it's not a secret florida It's down. The Vols need to take advantage of that. They won at home in 2022, but failed to win on the road in 2023. Back at Neyland Stadium, this is a must-win game for Tennessee.
The Gators will play one of the toughest schedules in the country again next year. Along with the SEC's decision, they will face questions such as: miami, UCF and florida. It's not uncommon for the Vols to be a win for their rivals, as their records tend to be abysmal.
Losing to Alabama and Oklahoma may be disappointing, but it's not the end of the world, but if the Vols lose this game, assuming Florida is as bad as expected, it would be nearly catastrophic.
Why not Georgia?
georgia They are a strong team that has won two domestic titles in the past three seasons. Beating the Bulldogs on the road would be a big help for the Vols in clinching one of the 12 spots, but it's not required.
A loss in Athens won't hurt Tennessee's ranking, and if it's a close game, it might not drop at all. The Vols are playing with house money in consideration of the expanded playoffs.
