Vol Football Can Score its Way into the College Football Playoff

Credit: Cole Moore//Tennessee football players huddle in a timeout during a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.

The Tennessee football team needed to rewrite the story of this season after its brutal loss against the Florida Gators. The Vols’ win against the South Carolina Gamecocks was a step in the right direction, giving the Vols needed momentum as they prepare to face the Texas A&M Aggies.

The Vols need convincing wins against the less competitive teams such as Vanderbilt, Connecticut, Missouri and Kentucky. They will also need to have upsets against teams like Georgia and Alabama. Most importantly, for the Vols to have a shot at being in the College Football Playoffs, they cannot lose another game this season.

If they do lose a game, I would prefer it to be against the No. 1 team, the Georgia Bulldogs. The match between the Vols and Bulldogs will be challenging and emotional to watch, but I am betting it will be similar to the Vols’ faceoff with the Alabama Crimson Tide last season.

The game where the Vols took on and defeated the Crimson Tide was the best football game I have ever attended. Everyone in the stands was on their feet, and it was a constant nail-biting experience.

It was such a thrill seeing the Vols give it their all, and once we watched the game-winning kick, the entire stadium erupted in celebration and tears of joy. It was an incredible moment that I will never forget. I hope Alabama and Georgia can give us the same experience this season.

If the Vols continue to improve, the game will come down to whoever has the ball last and executes better. Better execution includes running the correct routes and protecting the quarterback offensively. Defensively, it involves tackling better and having better pass coverage. Winning the SEC championship would majorly impact the Vols’ ranking and thrust them into a top team position.

The Georgia and Alabama games are the two most important games circled on the schedule. The Vols will have to work extremely hard and prepare well to defeat two of the best teams in the nation.

I would like to see the Vols play really well on both sides of the ball throughout all four quarters of the game. Not only will they have to execute better than these teams, but they will also have to limit mistakes, play penalties and overcome adversity.

During the battle against the Gamecocks, the Vols defense held Spencer Rattler, Gamecocks’ quarterback, under his season average with the help of Kamal Hadden’s pick six. The Vols’ defense sacked him multiple times, which also helped slow the Gamecock quarterback down.

The Vols offense was led by the rushing attack from running backs Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson. The Vols are ranked sixth in the country with an average of 230.3 yards per game, led by Wright. The Vols must focus on defensive strategy, as that will be key in stopping our opponents. With the right strategy, we can reach the playoffs and be successful.

Another way to make it into the playoffs is by continuing to run the ball well. This will lead to great play-action passes from Joe Milton III downfield to the Vols’ receivers Squirrel White and Ramel Keyton. Being balanced, running the ball and passing will make the Vols’ offense very dangerous to go against. Being consistent will better the Vols’ chances of making a playoff run.

With the absence of Bru McCoy due to his unfortunate injury during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, the other receivers will have to play to their full potential. The younger receivers, Kaleb Webb and Chas Nimrod, will have to step up and play their role if their name is called.

Webb has only touched the field limited times this season but played a bigger role versus South Carolina due to McCoy’s injury. Nimrod spent most of his time on special teams but made a slight impact versus South Carolina as well, catching a 10-yard pass. I feel like this will be their opportunity to shine and take advantage of their playtime.

Another key to making it into the playoffs is attitude. Coach Josh Heupel stays calm, per usual, through tough times, and I think it helps the players keep their composure throughout the game. This composure also plays a role in helping the players overcome adversity.

I believe that wearing their best fits pregame and the best jerseys also helps. When the players look good, they feel good, and their morale is high. During Vol Walk, the Vols look professional, and this sends a message to the opponents that they’re serious and they take the game more seriously. This confidence helps them stay focused and play well, which gives them an edge over their opponents.

On the third Saturday in October, the Vols should wear a traditional white-on-white uniform because of the fact that this is an away game and an old rivalry. When they play against Georgia at home, I suggest we have another blackout game. The Vol fans love it every time and the stadium is rocking with intensity.

I believe that week by week, the Vols have improved and have a real shot to make the playoffs. Although there are many things they need to accomplish, I believe that they are aware of these challenges ahead of them and will continue to strive for success.

With the right attitude and support, the Vols can achieve their goals. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this team.

Rondre'a Peebles Headshot

Rondre’a Peebles is a sophomore at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at rpeeble1@vols.utk.edu.

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