Every week, Rocky Top Insider will go through Tennessee’s 2024 schedule and see how their past and present opponents performed the previous week of the college football season.
Before Josh Heupel’s return to Norman, let’s take a look at how the Vols’ 2024 opponents performed in the third week of the season.
Week 1 Opponent: Chattanooga
In Chattanooga’s home opener, the Mocs fell 10-3 to Mercer in a defensive showdown. The Mercer Bears took the 7-0 lead with under six minutes to go, and Chattanooga answered back with a field goal of their own, going into the half at a deficit of 7-3. The Mocs were held scoreless the rest of the way, with Mercer adding a field goal to end the game with a touchdown difference.
The Mocs are now 0-3 and will host 0-2 Portland State in Week 4.
Week 2 Opponent: NC State
After a crushing defeat in week 2 against Tennessee, NC State escaped the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs with a 30-20 win. It was a come-from-behind victory for the Wolfpack, as Louisiana Tech had a halftime lead of 17-6. NC State quarterback Grayson McCall exited in the second quarter and did not return. Freshman CJ Bailey led NC State the rest of the way, outscoring the Bulldogs 24-3 in the second half.
NC State is now 2-1 with their only loss coming to Tennessee. NC State will travel to Clemson in Week 4, with freshman CJ Bailey getting his first start in a tough environment.
Week 3 Opponent: Kent State
Kent State was held scoreless against the Volunteers in a 71-0 loss. Tennessee had the opportunity to pile it on, going into halftime with a 65-0 lead, however, they scored only two field goals in the second half. Kent State struggled to move the ball, gaining only 112 total yards on 12 possessions. On the other hand, Tennessee moved it effortlessly, racking up 740 total yards of offense.
Tennessee is now 3-0 and will head to Norman, Oklahoma for their matchup against the Sooners in Week 4. It is Josh Heupel’s return to Oklahoma where he won a national championship and Heisman Trophy as the Sooners quarterback. He also served as a co-offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach in Norman.
Week 4 Opponent: Oklahoma
Oklahoma defeated Tulane 34-19 in Memorial Stadium. The Sooners jumped out to an early 21-0 lead with 3:39 remaining in the second half. Tulane returned with a score of their own, completing a touchdown pass with 19 seconds before halftime. The PAT was missed by kicker Ethan Head. The Green Wave continued to dig into the Oklahoma lead, cutting it to 19-24 with a pick-six thrown by Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold. Possessions later, Arnold ran for a 24-yard rushing touchdown to make it a two-score game. Oklahoma controlled the line of scrimmage on defense, allowing only 106 rushing yards on 34 carries. Arnold completed 18 of his 29 attempts, throwing for 169 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Arnold did it with his legs as well, rushing for 96 yards, and 2 TD, including a 46-yard rush.
Oklahoma moves to 3-0 and will host Tennessee in Week 4 in a top-25 matchup in Norman.
More From RTI: What Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables Said About Josh Heupel, Tennessee
Week 5: Bye Week
Week 6 Opponent: Arkansas
Arkansas bounced back from their overtime defeat against Oklahoma State in Week Two and defeated UAB 37-27. UAB jumped out to a 10-0 lead, however, the score was 20-20 at halftime. Arkansas started the second half with a touchdown and never lost the lead after. Razorbacks running back Ja’Quinden Jackson had a dominant showing, rushing for 147 yards and a TD on 15 carries.
Arkansas is now 2-1 and will travel to Auburn for their Week 4 contest.
Week 7 Opponent: Florida
Florida fell at home to Texas A&M 33-20 in Week 3. The Aggies held the Gators scoreless in the first half, winning the half 20-0. Quarterback Graham Mertz got the nod after DJ Lagway impressed in Week Two, and the two rotated series throughout the whole game. Florida struggled to find a ground game, only rushing for 52 yards, and the two quarterbacks threw for a combined three interceptions.
Florida falls to 1-2 and will travel to face Mississippi State in Week 4.
Week 8 Opponent: Alabama
The Crimson Tide traveled to Madison and defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 42-10 in Week 3. The Badgers came away with a field goal in their first drive, however, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was injured in this series and would not return. The Wisconsin offense struggled without him, only scoring seven more points the remainder of the game. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was efficient in his time, scoring five touchdowns, three through the air, and two on the ground.
Alabama is 3-0 and will have a bye week before they host an undefeated Georgia team in Week 4.
Week 9: Bye Week
Week 10 Opponent: Kentucky
After a disappointing blowout loss to South Carolina in Week 2, Kentucky had an opportunity to take down the Georgia Bulldogs in Week 3. They fell to the Bulldogs by a point, losing 13-12. The lone touchdown of the game came from Georgia running back Branson Robinson with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. This gave Georgia a 13-9 lead. Kentucky’s 12 points all came from kicker Alex Rayner who was four for four.
Kentucky is now 1-2 and will host the Ohio University Bobcats in Week 4.
Week 11 Opponent: Mississippi State
Mississippi State fell to an undefeated Toledo team 41-17. Toledo outscored Mississippi State 28-3 in the first half, scoring a touchdown on four of their five drives. Toledo’s quarterback completed 23 of his 28 attempts for 285 yards and 3 TDs.
Mississippi State has now lost two in a row, falling to 1-2. They will host Florida in Week 4.
Week 12 Opponent: Georgia
Georgia struggled on their way to a 13-12 road victory against Kentucky. It was a game riddled by strong defense, as there was only one touchdown in 60 minutes of football. Georgia racked up 75 total tackles, including three sacks. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 15 passes on 24 attempts for 160 yards.
Georgia is 3-0 and will have a bye week before traveling to Tuscaloosa in Week 5.
Week 13 Opponent: UTEP
UTEP fell to Liberty 28-10 in Week 3. Tennessee transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter is the starter for Liberty. Salter completed 15 of his 19 attempts for 228 yards and a touchdown.
UTEP falls to 0-3 and will travel to Colorado State in Week 4.
Week 14 Opponent: Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt went on the road and lost to Georgia State 36-32 in Week 3. This was the first loss of the season for the Commodores, as they were previously unbeaten with wins against Virginia Tech and Alcorn State.
Vanderbilt has fallen to 2-1 and will travel to a top-10 Missouri team in Week 4.
