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Tennessee football: Ranking all 12 games by difficulty on Vols’ 2022 schedule

By Caleb Calhoun

Smokey and the Volunteer celebrate a touchdown during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Smokey and the Volunteer celebrate a touchdown during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
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Nov 30, 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers mascot “Mike the Tiger” during the Victory Hill march before their game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers mascot “Mike the Tiger” during the Victory Hill march before their game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

3. At LSU Tigers

Saturday, Oct. 8; Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, La.

Honestly, Tennessee football couldn’t ask for a better draw when it comes to its three most difficult toss-up games. Florida is at home, Pitt is coming off a nine-day rest sandwiched between two MAC opponents, and the trip to face the LSU Tigers will be with them coming off a bye. Josh Heupel is great off a bye, particularly with his offenses.

Add in the fact that LSU is breaking in a new head coach in Brian Kelly, and this has all the makings of a potential Death Valley win for the Vols. However, despite all the factors, you can’t look past the fact that UT is facing LSU in Baton Rouge, one of the toughest places to play.

The last time the Vols visit LSU was the infamous 13-men on the field game that they should have won in 2010. Before that, it was their post Hurricanes Rita and Katrina comeback from 21-0 down to shock them in overtime 30-27 back in 2005. Then there was Nick Saban’s first signature win at LSU by beating the Vols in Baton Rouge in 2000.

Simply put, fireworks always happen when these two face off down there. Kelly is still a great coach, LSU has great talent, the game is still at LSU, and the Vols are cursed with LSU because of that 2005 win. As a result, regardless of what works in their favor, this is one of the most difficult matchups for them.

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