Reed
Best location: Charlotte is the ideal location. It’s a relatively easy drive from Knoxville and is a location Vol fans don’t get to visit often. Dave Hart has made it known he wants Tennessee to play in Charlotte. The SEC Network headquarters are there and North Carolina is an important state for recruiting. Memphis ranks second on my list due to a large alumni base and Tennessee’s need to make some recruiting inroads in the Memphis area. Nashville, simply due to Tennessee finishing the 2014 season and opening the 2015 season there, ranks last. I can’t stress enough that all of these locations have their positives – especially for a program that hasn’t been bowling since 2010.
Best matchup: Give me Duke. The obvious ties to David Cutcliffe make it an intriguing matchup. Plus there’s the SEC – ACC storyline. The Vols, a lower tier SEC team at this point, would have a shot to knock off one of the best teams in the ACC. Tennessee would have a clear talent edge in what should be a competitive game. NC State is also a team I think UT would battle and ultimately beat. Winning the bowl game is much more important than a big name matchup and I’d like Tennessee’s chances against both of those teams.
Best guess: Tennessee vs Texas in the Liberty Bowl. Representatives from the Liberty Bowl have made it known they want Tennessee and I’m willing to bet the SEC ultimately listens to them. A Tennessee – Texas matchup would certainly sell a ton of tickets and draw its share of views. The Longhorns boast the Big 12’s No. 2 defense and would pose a tough test for a banged up Vol offense. That’s probably be an ugly, low scoring game despite the traditions of both programs.
