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How Tennessee football is affected by USC, UCLA to Big Ten

By Caleb Calhoun

The Tennessee Volunteer waves a Power T flag during the Vol Walk ahead of a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football
The Tennessee Volunteer waves a Power T flag during the Vol Walk ahead of a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football /
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Apr 19, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; The College Football Playoff National Championship trophy on display during a 2023 CFP National Championship Kickoff press conference at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; The College Football Playoff National Championship trophy on display during a 2023 CFP National Championship Kickoff press conference at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Better chance at college football playoff via likely expansion

Last year, there was talk about the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams. All signs pointed to that happening this year, and the SEC has been leading the way on that. However, it was shot down, and it seemed like the current College Football Playoff format was going to be stuck in place for the near future.

However, with the Big Ten adding two more schools and another blue blood program, they have to be on board with this now. Like the SEC, they stand to gain a lot from expanding to 12 teams, as multiple teams could get in, and the Pac-12 and Big 12 may need it now with the automatic bids that could come.

Taking all of that into account, expansion is almost certainly back on the table, and Tennessee football stands to gain from that. The Vols just went 7-6 in their first year under Josh Heupel. You don’t think there’s a chance that they are flirting with being one of the top six at-large teams in November soon down the road?

This is why adding Texas and Oklahoma was such a good move for the SEC. If the CFP expands, it doesn’t matter if the Vols’ chances of winning the league are lessened. Their chances of making the playoff increase, and that’s what’s most important.

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