With college football season kicking off this week, here are my predictions for every matchup on the schedule for Josh Heupel’s first year coaching Tennessee.
Week 1: Bowling Green
The Volunteers matchup against the Bowling Green Falcons will mark the beginning of the Josh Heupel era at Tennessee. The Vols may start out slow, but they should roll toward the win and start the season off strong. Prediction: W
Week 2: Pittsburgh
The second game of the year pits two schools with a unique connection. Both teams have been coached by the legendary Johnny Majors, thus allowing for both schools to dub this matchup the Johnny Majors Classic. Pitt brings back many seniors, including qb Kenny Pickett. This team is Heupel’s first test at Tennessee, but the Vols should be able to come away with the win at home. Prediction: W
Week 3: Tennessee Tech
Not too much thought here. The Vols have never lost to an FCS team before, and this one is not very good Tennessee wins easily. Prediction: W
Week 4: Florida
The Gators are undefeated against Tennessee under head coach Dan Mullen, and Tennessee hasn’t won on the road at Florida since 2003. Not much the Vols can do but walk out with their first loss of the season. Prediction: L
Week 5: Missouri
Despite Missouri’s sophomore qb Connor Bazelak’s preseason hype, Missouri will not be able to stop a well-coached offense. Josh Heupel will be ready for this second road trip in a row and the Vols will win this one easily. Prediction: W
Week 6: South Carolina
In a battle of first year head coaches, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer will look for any game to be his first signature win. With little talent and depth, however, this will prove to be tough for him in a trip to Neyland Stadium. Tennessee will take care of business in this contest. Prediction: W
Week 7: Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin’s return to Knoxville will prove to be an interesting storyline proceeding what should be a fun game. Ole Miss returns heisman hopeful qb Matt Corral and brings an exciting offense. This game will most likely end in a high-scoring affair, ultimately giving Ole Miss the win with more depth on their defense. Prediction: L
Week 8: Alabama
Most teams coming off a national championship would have missing pieces and a loss in continuity. Nick Saban, however, never seems to have this problem and should have his Crimson Tide poised to make another trip to the College Football Playoff. Especially in Tuscaloosa, the Vols will not be able to make this game particularly competitive. Prediction: L
Week 9: Kentucky
In what will most likely be Tennessee’s closest game of the year, the Vols will travel to Lexington to face a hungry Kentucky Wildcats team. After their first win in Neyland Stadium in almost 40 years, Kentucky will look repeat their success at home. They will take this win with their defensive depth and aggressive running game. Prediction: L
Week 10: Georgia
The Bulldogs travel to Knoxville with possibly the most loaded roster in college football. Kirby Smart has only lost to Tennessee once, and this year will not change that as Georgia will win big. Prediction: L
Week 11: South Alabama
After a brutal SEC schedule and a temporary losing streak, Tennessee will find a mediocre Group of Five team, and getting the win will come easy for Tennessee. Prediction: W
Week 12: Vanderbilt
The 2020 Commodore team was horrible, leading to the firing of their coach. The 2021 team cannot possibly be much of a step up, and Tennessee will finish its season with an easy win over their in-state rivals. Prediction: W
Final Season Prediction: 7-5
Matthew Covers Sports 