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Tennessee football will play the same SEC teams in 2025 as it did in 2024. But the venues will change.
Some of its opponents will, too.
So, I’ve ranked those opponents on whether I expect them to be better, worse or about the same. My conclusion: Tennessee’s conference schedule could be even more accommodating in 2025 than it was in 2024.
Georgia: Worse.
You shouldn’t expect the Bulldogs’ record to vary greatly from one season to the next as long as Kirby Smart is running the show. But their talent attrition has been substantial since 2021 when they won the first of back-to-back national titles.
That will take a toll on any team’s depth, even one that recruits as well as Georgia.
I also question whether Gunner Stockton is the answer at quarterback. Nonetheless, I still wouldn’t count the Bulldogs out of playoff contention.
This should be UT’s best shot of beating the Bulldogs in a long time.
Mississippi State: Better.
That’s not saying much, though. The Bulldogs were the worst team in the SEC in Jeff Lebby’s first season as coach.
They lost promising quarterback Michael Van Buren, who transferred to LSU. But they return Blake Shapen, who was their starter until he suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the season. They also added Florida State’s Luke Kromenkoek, who started two games as a freshman.
South Alabama transfer Fluff Bothwell could boost their running game, but they need more help on defense than offense.
Mississippi State’s average margin of defeat in an 0-8 SEC season: 17.5 points.
Arkansas: Same.
The return of Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green will be a huge plus. He improved in his first season and should make more progress in his second season under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.
Braylen Russell and Rodney Hill should spark the running game. However, the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-tennessee-footballs-sec-schedule-100127091.html
Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Publish date : 2025-02-09 10:01:00
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