ESPN analysts united in their bowl game prediction for Tennessee Vols
We're a third of the way through the 2022 season which means the bowl game picture for the Tennessee Vols is starting to take shape. Tennessee, which is ranked No. 8 in the nation, is currently 4-0 with wins against Florida and Pittsburgh. The Vols are a dark horse pick to crash the 2022 College […]
We're a third of the way through the 2022 season which means the bowl game picture for the Tennessee Vols is starting to take shape.
Tennessee, which is ranked No. 8 in the nation, is currently 4-0 with wins against Florida and Pittsburgh. The Vols are a dark horse pick to crash the 2022 College Football Playoff, though a lot of things would have to go right for UT. And it's a long shot that those things (specifically, beating Georgia and/or Alabama) will go right.
While a College Football Playoff berth is unlikely this season, Tennessee can still reach a major bowl game.
In fact, that's what a couple of ESPN analysts expect to happen.
ESPN's Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach each have the Vols reaching the Sugar Bowl. And they both have Oklahoma State as Tennessee's opponent in the Sugar Bowl.
Oklahoma State is currently 4-0 and ranked No. 7 in the nation. They're coming off a 36-25 win over Baylor.
The Vols haven't played in the Sugar Bowl since 1991 (1990 season) when they beat Virginia 23-22.
Tennessee still has a lot of work to do this season. They're off to a good start, but if they don't take care of business against teams like LSU, Kentucky, and South Carolina, they could end up in the same position as the 2016 season when they came up short of the Sugar Bowl because of losses in games they should've won.
With that said, it feels different with this team. This team has the right mindset. They're focused on winning games, not all the off-the-field stuff. And that's why I think ESPN's prediction will end up being correct.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
