The Tennessee Volunteers will play in two of the most anticipated 2015 SEC games, according to ESPN.
Alex Scarborough (yes the same guy that predicted Kentucky would beat Tennessee last season) recently compiled the top ten SEC games that we should all be looking forward to in 2015.
Two of the Vols’ 2015 contests made the list:
- Oklahoma @ Tennessee — September 14
- Arkansas @ Tennessee — October 3
Here’s what Scarborough said about those two games:
"Sept. 12, Oklahoma at Tennessee: We’re getting all top heavy with nonconference games, but can you blame us? Oklahoma and Tennessee are two of the most storied programs in college football. The Vols are young but talented. If they’re planning on competing for the SEC East crown ahead of schedule, they’ll have to start by defending their home turf against a Big 12 power. The Sooners might not be the Sooners we’re used to seeing, but unusually low expectations could be deceiving. If anything, they should be playing with something to prove. And given all of Bob Stoops’ jawing about the SEC, there will certainly be enough pregame hype to fill the week leading up to the game.Oct. 3, Arkansas at Tennessee: Who wants to be taken seriously? Who wants to go from the next big thing to the real thing? Because that’s what this matchup is about, isn’t it? We’ve read and heard all offseason about how Arkansas and Tennessee are on the verge of breaking though, and with good reason. The Razorbacks were one of the toughest outs in the SEC last season, taking conference champ Alabama down to the wire. The Vols, on the other hand, reeled off five wins in their last six games, including a convincing bowl win over Iowa. But there might be room for only one team to rise in the SEC — who will it be?"
I think Scarborough is spot on with his thoughts on each game, except I think the Vols should be playing to win against Oklahoma, not just “with something to prove”.
If the Vols want everyone to think they’re officially back, they need to start playing for more than moral victories.
A narrow loss at home to the Sooners isn’t going to get it done this season. If Tennessee loses to Oklahoma, even if it’s by a point, it’ll be a huge letdown for a team ripe with offensive and defensive talent.
As noted above, Tennessee has to start defending it’s home field.
Games we’re excited to watch next season:
Tennessee @ Florida — Could this finally be the year Tennessee breaks through against the Gators?
Georgia @ Tennessee — The Vols have come oh so close the past three seasons against the Bulldogs. This has to be the year they finally beat Mark Richt again, right?