The dream of the College Football Playoff (CFP) isn’t over for the Tennessee Volunteers (just kidding, we are not going to the playoffs), but the path is snails edge and razor-thin after a tough loss to Georgia.
And don’t think for a minute that the legacy National Media has forgotten Tennessee’s revolt on Schiano Sunday. “Schiano Sunday” refers to the events of November 26, 2017, when the University of Tennessee was set to announce Greg Schiano as its head football coach. The decision faced immediate and intense backlash from fans, alumni, and politicians, leading the university to retract the offer.
More importantly, the media was incensed that ignorant Vols fans would dare challenge this hire.
Back to the task at hand. Game analysis:
With two losses, Tennessee made it into the 12-team CFP field, but you should plan on being ejected. This website unpacks the top five upcoming games that will determine Tennessee’s fate, the odds, and why Vol fans should care.
- Roll Bama Roll
- http://loserwithsocks.com/2024/11/17/4-box-breathing-post-uga-top-10/
- http://loserwithsocks.com/2024/11/15/the-manuel-doctrine-on-any-given-b1g-saturday/
- http://loserwithsocks.com/2024/11/13/must-win-tennessees-road-to-the-college-football-playoff/
- http://lsufootball.net/tvschedule.htm
Alabama at Oklahoma
(Nov. 23, 2024, 3:30 PM ET, ABC, Sirius XM 84/190)
Why It Matters
This matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners is pivotal for both teams’ postseason aspirations. Alabama, with an 8-2 record, aims to solidify its position in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. A victory would enhance their résumé, especially after a recent win against Mercer. Oklahoma, standing at 5-5, seeks to achieve bowl eligibility and make a statement in their inaugural SEC season.
Odds
Alabama is favored by 14.5 points, with an Over/Under set at 49.5 points.
Analysis
Alabama’s offense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, has shown consistency, averaging 32 points per game. Milroe’s dual-threat capability poses challenges for Oklahoma’s defense, which has struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season. The Crimson Tide’s defense has been formidable, allowing an average of 17 points per game, and will look to pressure Oklahoma’s offense into mistakes.
Oklahoma’s season has been inconsistent, with a 5-5 record. Their offense has had flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Defensively, the Sooners have allowed an average of 28 points per game, which could be exploited by Alabama’s balanced attack.
Remaining Games for Alabama
- Nov. 30: at Auburn
Vols’ Rooting Interest
Tennessee fans should NOT root for Alabama to win. Ever. Fuck BAMA
Reducing Alabama’s Case as the SEC’s Best Two-Loss Team
If Alabama stumbles, Tennessee remains the top two-loss team in the SEC pecking order, strengthening their case as the SEC’s second playoff option behind Georgia.
Eliminating Alabama from the CFP Conversation
Alabama’s two losses already have them on thin ice. A third loss, especially to a middling Oklahoma team, would almost certainly end Alabama’s CFP hopes. Fewer SEC teams in contention could clear a path for Tennessee.
Conclusion
This game is crucial for both teams. Alabama seeks to maintain its CFP hopes, while Oklahoma aims for bowl eligibility and a significant win in their first SEC season. Tennessee fans have a vested interest in the outcome, as an Alabama victory could indirectly benefit the Volunteers’ playoff aspirations.
Vols’ Rooting Interest: Boomer Sooner.
2. Texas at Texas A&M
(Nov. 30, ABC, Sirius XM 113/191)
Why It Matters
With the SEC title game likely involving Texas, Tennessee fans need the Longhorns to lose a second game before Atlanta. An Aggies win here also creates chaos, potentially opening a spot in the playoff bracket for Tennessee.
Odds: Texas -6
Analysis: Texas has shown vulnerability against tough SEC defenses, but A&M’s offense will need to step up to deliver. The Longhorns’ balanced attack could dominate if they start fast.
Remaining Games for Texas
- Nov. 23: vs. Kentucky
- Nov. 30: at Texas A&M
Vols’ Rooting Interest: Gig ‘em Aggies I guess—a Texas loss keeps playoff options open.
3. Ole Miss vs. Florida
(Nov. 23, ESPN, Sirius XM 83/190)
Why It Matters
Ole Miss and Florida’s matchup has direct implications for Tennessee’s ranking. If Ole Miss wins out, they could surpass Tennessee in the CFP rankings. Conversely, if Florida beats Ole Miss, it removes the Rebels from contention and strengthens the SEC overall.
Odds: Ole Miss -9
Analysis: The Rebels’ explosive offense, led by Tiger Beat’ heart throb Jaxson Dart and Quinshon Judkins. Ole Miss faces a Florida team that has been inconsistent defensively, but there’s no denying the Gators have shown improvement since the start of the season. Early on, Florida struggled with gap discipline and allowed big plays, but they’ve tightened up their run defense and found more success on key third downs. Offensively, their ground game has emerged as a real weapon, grinding out tough yards and controlling the tempo of games. If the Gators’ run game controls the clock, an upset is possible. Coach ‘Amish Billy’ has rallied this Florida squad, instilling resilience and better execution, particularly in the trenches.
Remaining Games for Ole Miss
- Nov. 23: at Florida
- Nov. 29: vs. Mississippi State
Vols’ Rooting Interest: Go Gators—an Ole Miss loss eliminates them as a threat.
4. Indiana vs. Ohio State
(Nov. 23, FOX, Sirius XM 81/196)
Why It Matters
Indiana remains undefeated and looms as a potential CFP lock if they beat Ohio State (they won’t though). A Buckeyes win keeps the Big Ten picture chaotic, with a path for Tennessee to jump the loser of a Big Ten title clash.
Odds: Ohio State -9.5
Analysis: Ohio State’s defense has been B1G elite, and Indiana has benefited from a very weak schedule that apparently is not a factor at all for rankings. If the Buckeyes dominate, Indiana’s playoff chances will not not suffer a hit since this game will appear to be very competitive.
Remaining Games for Ohio State
- Nov. 23: vs. Indiana
- Nov. 30: vs. Michigan
Vols’ Rooting Interest: Go Buckeyes—end Indiana’s perfect season. Frankly it doesn’t really matter since the B1G has nicely positioned 4 teams into the playoffs.
5. BYU at Wyoming
(Nov. 23, FS1, Sirius XM 84/134)
Why It Matters
BYU’s position as a conference champion could knock Tennessee out of the CFP field if they win out. Wyoming poses a serious threat with their defensive prowess at altitude.
Odds: BYU -7
Analysis: The Cougars’ offense has struggled in recent weeks, and Wyoming’s physicality could exploit that. If BYU loses, it likely cements Boise State’s path to a playoff spot instead.
Remaining Games for BYU
- Nov. 23: at Wyoming
- Nov. 30: vs. Kansas
Vols’ Rooting Interest: Go Cowboys—a BYU loss keeps Tennessee in the mix.
Out-of-Conference Games of Interest
1. Army vs Notre Dame
(Nov. 23, NBC, Sirius XM 82/83)
Why It Matters
Notre Dame’s presence in the top 12 threatens Tennessee’s place in the field. An upset by Army would almost certainly drop Notre Dame below Tennessee.
Odds: Notre Dame -18
Analysis: The Irish offense has been inconsistent, but their defense should overpower Army. However, if the Black Knights keep it close, it could signal a weakness for Notre Dame’s surging national media love-fest.
Tennessee’s Remaining Schedule
- Nov. 23 vs. UTEP: Must win convincingly to impress the committee.
- Nov. 30 at Vanderbilt: Avoid a trap game to finish 10-2.
Is There a Path to the Playoff?
Yes, but it’s a long shot. Tennessee must:
- Win out. Vandy is not a gimme game. Ask Bama about that.
- Hope Alabama and Georgia finish strong to boost their résumé.
- Root for chaos—losses by Texas, BYU, Notre Dame, and Indiana.
The committee likely won’t value Tennessee’s head-to-head win over Alabama enough to guarantee inclusion, but if enough dominoes fall, the Vols could sneak into the 12-team field.
Conclusion
It’s not over yet, Vol Nation, but the road to glory ahead is steep. Keep an eye on these critical matchups, and let’s hope the chips fall in Tennessee’s favor. Go Vols!
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