Week 2: Tennessee vs. East Tennessee State
Another non-conference game is on the way here for the Vols and it's going to be a gimme. Knoxville is going to be PACKED for the first home game of the year, with more than 100,000 fans ready to scream their heads off in what should be a blowout win.
We've seen some pretty eye-opening upsets in recent years, but Tennessee is simply too well coached to record a stunning loss like this. This contest will be one where Aguilar fires on all cylinders. We'll even predict Boo Carter to record his first receiving TD of his college career.
Prediction: Tennessee 49, East Tennessee State 14
Week 3: Tennessee vs. Georgia
This is where things are going to get tricky for the Vols and Heupel. Not only that, but Aguilar is going to run into some problems going up against a stingy Georgia defense. The Bulldogs themselves have plenty of changes on the way, but Kirby Smart has his squad ready to reload.
In this one, Neyland Stadium is of course going to be rocking, but it's not going to stop Gunner Stockton from throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Aguilar will have his worst game of his young Vols career, failing to throw for 200 yards. UGA will come out on top and hand UT its first loss of the campaign.
Prediction: Georgia 21, Tennessee 17
Week 4: Tennessee vs. UAB
Thankfully, Tennessee has a great opportunity to bounce back following the loss to Georgia. Come Week 4, UAB will be making the trip to town and this will provide yet another golden opportunity for the offense to put a lot of points on the board.
Come Week 4, however, look for it to be the Star Thomas show. The running back transferred in from Duke this offseason and he's going to take things to the next level against the Blazers. Thomas will steal the show with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, UAB 17