Tennessee is 6-2 and off this week after the 27-24 loss at South Carolina. I said it on camera: South Carolina didn’t really beat us. We beat us. But this season is a long way from over, and here’s why.
The path
Here’s what’s left for the Vols:
- Nov. 7: No. 9 Kentucky at Neyland
- Nov. 14: at Texas A&M
- Nov. 21: No. 15 LSU at Neyland
- Nov. 28: at Vanderbilt
Win out and Tennessee is 10-2 with wins over Alabama, Kentucky and LSU. In an SEC that could finish with a pile of two-loss teams, that’s a résumé that belongs in the playoff conversation. And under our own rule for the Five and a Fade Top 10, résumé over reputation, those are exactly the kind of wins that move you up.
Rocky Top has been kind to us
Look at where the big ones landed this year. Texas came to Neyland when it was No. 1. Alabama came to Neyland, and we won 26-10. Now Kentucky and LSU both have to come to Knoxville too. The Texas game didn’t go our way, but you’d take this home schedule every year.
Rest up. Get healthy. Then let’s talk Kentucky. Go Vols.
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Jeremy Durham is a sports columnist for TriStar Daily and the founder of Five and a Fade.
