6. Clemson
Two of the programs that have been the hottest on the recruiting trail over the last few years have been the Vols and Clemson. And the Tigers have been one of the hottest teams on the field too, making it to the National Championship Game last season.
And now the Tigers are beginning to steal some of the Vols’ top recruiting targets thanks to their success.
Clemson currently has commitments from two of the state of Tennessee’s top seven players in running back Cordarrian Richardson and wide receiver Amari Rodgers. The Tigers are also in on a ton of players the Vols are in on as well, meaning the two schools will be pitted in recruiting battles all season.
What better way to settle some of those battles by having a war on the field?
If the Vols want to face Clemson in the near future, they’ll likely have to either make it to the playoff or make a New Year’s Six bowl because Clemson will be one of the best teams in the country again this year and doesn’t seem poised for a bid drop-off any time soon. The two haven’t met since the 2004 Peach Bowl, but the next time they meet could be for much bigger stakes if it’s sooner rather than later.
