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.
It was a critical week of the season for Tennessee after the Volunteers found themselves the first team out in Tuesday’scollege football playoff rankings. Many things went Tennessee’s way in week 13, placing them firmly in the mix if they can defeat Vanderbilt in their last regular season game. After Tennessee’s win against UTEP, let’s take a look at how the Vols’ 2024 opponents performed in the 13th week of the season.
Week 1 Opponent: Chattanooga
Chattanooga notched their seventh win of the season as they defeated Austin Peay 24-17. The Mocs made it a two-score lead of 24-10 with 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Austin Peay scored a touchdown to cut the deficit to seven points, but the Chattanooga defense held firm, securing the win.
Chattanooga is 7-5 (5-3 SoCon.) With seven wins, Chattanooga is bowl-eligible.
Week 2 Opponent: NC State
NC State lost a close one as Georgia Tech defeated the Wolfpack 30-29. It was a low-scoring game the first three quarters as Georgia Tech led 16-7 entering the fourth quarter. The game broke open in the fourth. NC State quarterback CJ Bailey ran for a touchdown in the first play of the fourth quarter to make it a 14-16 deficit for NC State. The next two possessions resulted in a punt for both teams. The following two possessions resulted in an interception for both teams. Georgia Tech took advantage of great field possession from their interception and scored a touchdown to take a two-score lead.
The Wolfpack responded, scoring a touchdown, forcing a three-and-out, followed by another touchdown, and a two-point conversion. This made for a 29-23 NC State lead with a minute-and-a-half remaining. Georgia Tech marched down the field for a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown to take the lead back with 22 seconds left. NC State drove to the Yellow Jacket’s 41 yard-line but missed a 58-yard field goal that would have given them the win.
NC State is 5-6. It will travel to face the North Carolina Tarheels, and with a win, it could become a bowl-eligible team.
Week 3 Opponent: Kent State
Kent State remains without a win on the season, having lost 11 games in a row. In week 13, the Golden Flashes were defeated by Akron 38-17.
Kent State is 0-11 and will travel to Buffalo in week 14.
Week 4 Opponent: Oklahoma
After a bye week, Oklahoma hosted the Alabama Crimson Tide in a night game. The Sooners dominated, allowing only a field goal as they won 24-3. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was intercepted three times, one of which was a pick-six. The Sooner defense gave up only 234 total yards of offense to Alabama.
Oklahoma is 6-5 (2-5 SEC) and will travel to face LSU in week 14.
Week 5: BYE WEEK
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Opens As Double Digit Favorites At Vanderbilt
Week 6 Opponent: Arkansas
After back-to-back losses to Ole Miss and Texas, Arkansas returned to its winning ways against Louisiana Tech, defeating the Bulldogs 35-14. Quarterback Taylen Green scored four touchdowns in the win, two in the air and two on the ground.
Arkansas is 6-5 on the season with a 3-4 record in the SEC. The Razorbacks will travel to Missouri in week 14.
Week 7 Opponent: Florida
Florida hugely helped the Volunteers, as the Gators defeated Ole Miss 24-17, knocking the Rebels out of playoff contention. The Gators played great defense on Jaxson Dart, intercepting the quarterback twice, breaking up six of his passes, and sacking him four times. Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was 10/17 on the day with 180 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
After the Gator win, Tennessee fans were seen doing the Gator chomp in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee fans doing the Gator Chomp in Neyland 😱
Vol Nation was fired up after Florida upset No. 9 Ole Miss 👀 pic.twitter.com/7RGoMHac07
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 24, 2024
Florida is 6-5 with a 4-4 record in the SEC.
Week 8 Opponent: Alabama
Alabama lost to Oklahoma 24-3, likely taking themselves out of playoff contention with three losses. The Crimson Tide took a 3-0 lead early in the game but were held scoreless the rest of the way. Quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled as he was intercepted three times, and threw for only 164 yards on 26 passing attempts. He was also held in check rushing the ball, ending the game with only seven yards.
Alabama is 8-3 with a 4-3 record in conference play.
Week 9: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Opponent: Kentucky
Kentucky lost to Texas 31-13 in Austin. The Longhorns held a 24-17 lead going into the half, and it was uneventful the rest of the way. The Wildcats announced they will be starting freshman quarterback Cutter Boley over Brock Vandagriff in their rivalry matchup against in-state opponent Louisville.
Kentucky is 4-7 with a 1-7 record in SEC play.
Week 11 Opponent: Mississippi State
Mississippi State lost to Missouri 39-20 in week 13. The Tigers led 28-13 at halftime. Missouri played the clock with long possessions on offense and allowed only seven points in the second half.
Mississippi State is 2-9, and winless in conference play. They will have a chance to change that against Ole Miss in week 14.
Week 12 Opponent: Georgia
Georgia took care of business as they defeated UMass 59-21.
Georgia is 9-2 in the regular season, and 5-2 in the SEC.
Week 13 Opponent: UTEP
UTEP was defeated in Neyland Stadium 56-0.
The Miners hold a 2-9 regular season record.
Week 14 Opponent: Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt lost a close one to LSU in Baton Rouge, 24-17. The Tigers led 14-7 at halftime and maintained their lead the whole second half.
Vanderbilt is 6-5 with a 3-4 record in the SEC.
