All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: Ranking 2020 games by importance

By Caleb Calhoun

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Mascots Davey Crockett and Smokey of the Tennessee Volunteers pose for a photo prior to a 38-13 loss to Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Mascots Davey Crockett and Smokey of the Tennessee Volunteers pose for a photo prior to a 38-13 loss to Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

8. Nov. 7 – at Arkansas Razorbacks

Circled losses are less important for focus than certain wins. Tennessee football, given its status, clearly needs to beat the Arkansas Razorbacks this year. After all, the Vols are desperately trying to have a winning record, and that means running the table against lesser talent. Losing this game would be devastating to that goal for Jeremy Pruitt’s third team.

However, the other factor, which involves just how much focus is required for a game, is much more minimal. If there is one sure win on Rocky Top this year, it’s Arkansas. The Hogs have a new head coach in Sam Pittman who may work out in the long run, but he’s trying to build this team the same way Jeremy Pruitt and Kirby Smart built their teams.

Doing that while replacing Chad Morris, who ran a finesse spread offense, is going to be extremely tough. Pittman got a shot in the arm by being able to bring in Kendal Briles and getting transfer Feleipe Franks, but it still won’t be enough. Arkansas is going to have one more brutal year, and for them, 0-10 may be on the table.

Because of that, UT won’t have to focus too much to win this game. They’ll already be relaxed off a bye week. Sure it’s a road game, but that doesn’t mean as much in these times. Also, Arkansas is an SEC West opponent, so even if there are some other factors coming into play, they aren’t as crucial as the other circled wins. That’s why this game is down here.

Home/Vols Football