When the 2022 season started, most Tennessee Vols fans were just hoping for a 10-win season.

After beating Florida, LSU, and Alabama in consecutive games, the goal for the season changed.

Suddenly it went from winning 10 games to winning a national championship.

The Vols have a chance to win their first national championship in 24 years this season. If they beat Georgia on Saturday, they'll likely lock in a spot in the College Football Playoff.

And if Tennessee loses to the Bulldogs, they'll still have a pretty good shot at reaching the playoff.

Essentially, the Vols' championship chances won't be ruined with a loss on Saturday.

But that's assuming Tennessee takes care of business the rest of the season after the Georgia game.

The Vols have three games left after playing Georgia — home against Missouri, at South Carolina, and at Vanderbilt.

Those are obviously all games that Tennessee should win. And based on the way they've handled success this season, I expect them to win all three of those games.

That matchup against Missouri next weekend in Neyland Stadium, however, has all the makings of a trap game.

When or lose against Georgia, this is a game that could be problematic for the Volunteers.

For starters, it's a noon game. Coming off what's expected to be an extremely emotional game against Georgia could lead to a slow start for Tennessee against Mizzou.

Remember, the Vols started slow against UT-Martin in a noon game at Neyland last month after beating Alabama. Fortunately for Tennessee, it was UT-Martin and not an SEC opponent. I'm not saying the Vols would've lost, but it could've been an interesting afternoon.

It's not just the early start and emotional letdown that should concern Vols fans. There's also the fact that Missouri isn't a bad football team.

The Tigers are 4-4 (they host Kentucky on Saturday), but their three conference losses have all come by seven points or less (three-point loss to Auburn in overtime, four-point loss to Georgia, and a seven-point loss to Florida).

Missouri was blown out by Kansas State early in the season, losing 40-12 on the road. That same Kansas State team, however, just beat Oklahoma State 48-0. They also beat Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Iowa State earlier this season.

The Tigers are better than they were last year. And while the Vols should still win easily, this is a game that could go the other way if Tennessee doesn't play crisp football.

A loss to Georgia doesn't necessarily derail the Vols' season, but a loss to Mizzou would be disastrous. Tennessee will have to make sure they're as focused as ever next week, regardless of what happens in Athens on Saturday.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports