Every week, Rocky Top Insider will review Tennessee’s 2024 schedule and see how their past and present opponents performed the previous week of the college football season.
After Tennessee’s loss to Georgia, let’s take a look at how the Vols’ 2024 opponents performed in the 12th week of the season.
Week 1 Opponent: Chattanooga
Chattanooga was defeated at home by Samford, 36-13. The Mocs struggled on offense, gaining only 29 rushing yards on 27 carries. Their 13 points were all scored in the second quarter. Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon completed 34-of-50 passes for 340 yards and one touchdown.
The Mocs are 6-5 (5-3 SoCon) and will travel to Austin Peay in week 13.
Week 2 Opponent: NC State
NC State had an open date in week 12. They are 5-5 on the season, with a 2-4 record in the ACC. The Wolfpack will travel to Georgia Tech in week 13.
Week 3 Opponent: Kent State
Kent State lost their 10th straight game this season, this time to Miami (OH.) The Golden Flashes were defeated 34-7.
Kent State will host Akron in week 13.
Week 4 Opponent: Oklahoma
The Sooners had an open date in week 12. Oklahoma will host Alabama in week 13.
Oklahoma is 5-5 in the regular season, but has had a disappointing result in SEC play with a 1-5 record.
Week 5: BYE WEEK
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Week 6 Opponent: Arkansas
Arkansas held their own against the Longhorns, but ultimately fell 20-10 to Texas. The Razorbacks went into halftime trailing 10-0, but made it a one score in the third quarter, and they would remain one score away for much of the second half. Texas scored a touchdown to grab a 20-10 lead with nine minutes remaining, and Arkansas fumbled on the following possession, ultimately putting the game out of reach.
Week 7 Opponent: Florida
LSU at Florida was one of the games of the week, as the Gators got the upset win over the Tigers in the swamp. It was an even contest much of the game, as the two were tied at 10-10 at halftime, and both teams scored a field goal in the following third quarter. It was Florida who would pull away late, as they scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter compared to LSU’s field goal.
After a big win for Florida, the Gators are 5-5 with a 3-4 record in the SEC. Florida will have the chance to pull off another upset in the swamp in week 13, as Ole Miss travels to Gainesville. An Ole Miss loss would greatly impact Tennessee’s chances of making the College Football Playoff, as it would likely knock the Rebels out of playoff contention.
Week 8 Opponent: Alabama
Alabama defeated Mercer 52-7. The Crimson Tide dominated this game from start to finish, giving up only one score.
Alabama is 8-2 with a 4-2 record in the SEC.
Week 9: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Opponent: Kentucky
The Wildcats hosted in-state opponent Murray State, defeating the Racers 48-6. Kentucky quarterbacks Brock Vandagriff and Cutter Boley combined for 313 yards and four touchdowns on the day. The Kentucky secondary also hauled in three interceptions.
Kentucky is 4-6 with a 1-6 record in the SEC.
Week 11 Opponent: Mississippi State
Mississippi State had an open date in week 12. They will host Missouri in week 13.
Week 12 Opponent: Georgia
Georgia defeated Tennessee 31-17. Tennessee started this game as well as they could have hoped. The Volunteers won the coin toss and deferred, and forced a three-and-out on Georgia’s first possession. They would keep the pressure on, as they drove 78 yards for a touchdown, punched in by tight end Miles Kitselman on a one-yard rush. Tennessee didn’t stop there, and would add a field goal to take a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Georgia would then go on to score two touchdowns in their next two possessions to take a 14-10 lead. Tennessee answered the call and responded as Dylan Sampson got loose for a 27-yard touchdown to take back the lead at 17-14. Georgia ended the half with a field goal to tie the game at 17-17.
Tennessee would be held scoreless the rest of the way by a stout Georgia defense, and Georgia would win the second half 31-17. Georgia held the Tennessee defensive line in check, as one of the best defensive lines in all of college football did not have a sack, and the Tennessee defense did not create a turnover.
Georgia is 8-2 with a 6-2 record in the SEC. The Bulldogs will host Massachusetts in week 13.
Week 13 Opponent: UTEP
UTEP had an open date in week 12, and will travel to Neyland Stadium to face the Tennessee Volunteers in week 13.
The Miners are 2-8 on the season.
Week 14 Opponent: Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt had an open date in week 12. The Commodores are 6-4 (3-3 SEC) and will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to face LSU in week 13.
