Georgia became the first team to slow Tennessee's offense down. Give them credit. They played their best game of the year and apparently have been preparing for Tennessee's offense since the Summer. But Tennessee certainly didn't do themselves any favors. This was by far Tennessee's worst performance of the season and it happened at a terrible time. Georgia's crowd was definitely a factor as they inflicted 8 pre snap penalties on the. Vols. Tennessee was behind the sticks all day and never could get into a rhythm offensively. The defense was also abused, especially in the first half. However, they did come up with some turnovers at key times and they got a few stops. Usually that's all Tennessee needs to win. Not on Saturday though.
They say every dark cloud has a silver lining. Even though Tennessee lost on Saturday, they were given new life just a few hours later as Notre Dame blew Clemson out and LSU all but ended Alabama's playoff hopes in overtime. Tennessee came in at 5th in the newest College Football Playoff Poll and are in a great position as the highest ranked 1 loss team. TCU is just ahead of the Vols and Oregon is just behind. Both would make it to the Playoff if they win out over Tennessee. The good news however, is that both have difficult games ahead of them this month while the Vols should likely cruise in their final three games. There are two other 1 loss teams in the Pac 12, USC and UCLA, but they all have difficult games ahead as well, not to mention they play each other. Tennessee either needs the eventual Pac 12 Champion to have 2 losses, or they need TCU to lose. They don't need both, although if both happen that likely sets up an all SEC/Big Ten Playoff. If Tennessee somehow gets locked out, then the Sugar Bowl would be a nice consolation prize. It's just really refreshing considering what Tennessee just came out of to be in this position with 3 games left in the regular season.
Missouri will come into Knoxville for a noon kickoff on Senior Day. If any group of seniors deserve recognition, it's these guys. The guys that brought Tennessee out of the Dark Ages and reclaimed its birthright among the pantheon of college football royalty. In a lot of ways, it's fitting that Missouri is the opponent for Senior Day. The 62-24 beating Tennessee put on Missouri last year marked the end of the Dark Ages. This was the game where the culture changed. This was the game where the players saw that Josh Heupel's system would work. This was the game where Tennessee fans began to believe a little. This was the game where the Tennessee swagger started to come back. And now this year's seniors who guided us out of the Dark Ages will play their last game in Neyland Stadium against the same team they lit the fire against last year. If you are going to the game, please send these wonderful seniors out with a great atmosphere.
Missouri's defense is only giving up 21 points per game and have not given up more than 26 in SEC play. Their pretty good against the run and the pass. Kentucky was too until they played the best offense in the country. It will be interesting to see how Tennessee rebounds after the loss but Josh Heupel is a smart guy and Tennessee's players are veteran guys that know the situation. Tennessee needs style points for the closing Playoff run. Hendon Hooker needs big stats to make his case for the Heisman. Cedric Tillman needs to reestablish himself as one of the best receivers in the country. Jalin Hyatt needs to keep putting up numbers to lock up the Biletnikoff Award. I think we see Hendon Hooker make some plays with his legs and I think we see him put up huge passing numbers. The running game will quietly pile up yards but I think we see an air show Saturday if the weather doesn't get out of hand.
Missouri's offense is mediocre. They run the ball okay and aren't great through the air. Brady Cook only has 6 TD passes and 7 interceptions. Lovett is a decent receiver but he only has 2 TDs. This should be an offense that the Vols can handle. I think they can get pressure on Cook and shut down their run. They may make a few plays through the air but I think the Vols will force some turnovers as well. Tennessee's secondary is much maligned and rightfully so but this should be a game where they acquit themselves well.
I think this game will look a lot like the Kentucky game. Missouri just doesn't have the offense to stay on the field with Tennessee. I think the Vols bounce back and make a strong Playoff statement.
Tennessee (-20.5) 54
Missouri 10
In other games...
LSU (-3.5) 35
Arkansas 24
Alabama 38
Ole Miss (+11.5) 31
Oregon 44
Washington (+13.5) 38
Texas 47
TCU (+7) 44
Tulane (-1.5) 35
UCF 31
Florida (-8.5) 37
South Carolina 23
Last Week...1-6(4-3 ATS) Overall Record...37-25(34-27-1 ATS)
Follow me on Twitter @Joshes_Journal
That's all I have for this week. Thank you for reading. It will always be appreciated. Cherish ever second of football. Only 2 more regular season games after Saturday.
Have a great weekend and stay safe everyone. Go Vols and God Bless!