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Tennessee football: Vols, SEC and top 25 picks and bets for Week 0 and Week 1 of 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

The Tennessee football team runs through the T during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
The Tennessee football team runs through the T 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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Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC Network. Thursday, Sept. 1. 7 p.m. ET. 0. 2246. 0. 839. Neyland Stadium; Knoxville, Tenn.

Gambling odds

  • Line: Tennessee -35
  • Over/Under: 66.5
  • Moneyline: N/A

Related Story. Predicting every game on Vols' 2022 schedule. light

Although we close with Tennessee football and the Ball State Cardinals, the Vols are officially the first SEC team playing in what is actually Week One. For the second straight year, the kick off the season on a Thursday night against a MAC foe. This one could be a bit trickier, though.

Ball State has had two straight bowl seasons, including a MAC Championship in 2020, under Mike Neu. They have to revamp their offense, which includes John Paddock replacing Drew Plitt at quarterback. There is a level of excitement surrounding what next step they could take, and despite losing lots of talent, that excitement hasn’t subsided.

Meanwhile, the Vols return a ton of talent from their 7-6 inaugural season under Josh Heupel, most notably quarterback Hendon Hooker. They won an ugly 38-6 opener last year against the Bowling Green Falcons, but the presence of Hooker and more experience in the system give fans reason to believe this opener will be more fun to watch.

Prediction

The formula to give UT trouble for a lesser team would be an experienced passing attack against their questionable pass defense. However, Ball State doesn’t have that. Also, the program under Neu is overrated. That MAC title was a fluke since it was in the COVID-shortened season. Last year they were 7-6.

Next. Top five non-conference stars Vols have to face in 2022. dark

As a result, Tennessee football is significantly better, and it will show. Ball State hasn’t seen the Vols’ offense. This will be one of those where UT goes off with an epic first quarter and carries that dominance the rest of the way. They’ll cover, and the game will hit the over almost solely because of what they are able to do. Some late scores by Ball State will up the score a lot.

Tennessee: 62 Ball State: 27 (Tennessee -33; Over 68)

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