Tennessee football: Prediction for every game on Vols’ 2022 schedule plus bowl projections
Saturday, Sept. 10. 34. 839. Pittsburgh, Pa.. 866. Acrisure Stadium. Game 2. 31
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Despite losing Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison, the Pittsburgh Panthers are better than Tennessee football in many ways. The defending ACC Champions return a ton of talent on defense and have more than enough horses on both sides of the ball to beat the Vols, and they’re playing this game at home.
Considering the fact that they beat the Vols on the road last year, it makes sense if you want to bet on Pat Narduzzi’s team. However, what went into play with UT losing to Pitt on Rocky Top will come into play with why Pitt loses to the Vols in their house this year.
Breaking in a new quarterback comes with growing pains. The Vols started Joe Milton III against Pitt last year, and after Hendon Hooker came in, he threw a late interception while also failing to make the right read on a 4th and short run in the red zone.
Little things like that cost Tennessee football in that game, and Pitt’s new signal-caller will result in the same situation. Meanwhile, despite Pitt’s elite defense with so much talent back, the Vols have enough on offense to handle them. That combined with a couple of mistakes will give them 34 points, and a late turnover will cost Pitt the game.