Former Bama QB explains why Vols' Orange Bowl matchup against Clemson is more important than fans realize
The Tennessee Vols are a week away from their Orange Bowl matchup with the Clemson Tigers in Miami. Non-playoff bowl games don't generate as much hype these days as they did 20-30 years ago when the bowl alliance and later the BCS determined the national champions. This year's Orange Bowl, however, is an exception. Tennessee […]
The Tennessee Vols are a week away from their Orange Bowl matchup with the Clemson Tigers in Miami.
Non-playoff bowl games don't generate as much hype these days as they did 20-30 years ago when the bowl alliance and later the BCS determined the national champions.
This year's Orange Bowl, however, is an exception.
Tennessee and Clemson both badly want to win this game.
The Vols want to get to 11 wins for the first time since 2001, while Clemson is looking to win 12 games under Dabo Swinney for the sixth time.
Tennessee and Clemson often recruit the same areas, but they rarely meet on the field. This will be the first matchup between the two programs since the 2003/04 Peach Bowl.
Earlier this week, former Alabama QB turned ESPN analyst Greg McElroy spoke about the Orange Bowl and why this game is more important for the Vols than many fans may realize.
"This has been a season (for the Vols) to be celebrated for so many reasons," said McElroy. "And Tennessee fans, I think, regardless of the outcome should look back at the season and say 'man, we did some great things this year, we should feel really good about where we're at'. But ultimately, Tennessee doesn't want to just be good, they want to be elite. And in order to be elite, you have to beat the teams like Clemson."
"And with a big stage, if for whatever reason you play poorly, that will be how this team is unfortunately remembered. Now, they'll remember individual games, they'll remember individual moments. And they should, and those moments, like I said, they will live on well into the years."
"But ultimately, if you lose two of your last four games, it doesn't feel quite the same," added McElroy. "You could lose three out of your last five if you lose against the Clemson Tigers there in Miami."
McElroy is right. The Vols' 2022 season shouldn't be judged on how they perform in the Orange Bowl against Clemson. But whatever happens in that game will be the lasting image of Tennessee football in 2022. If they lose, it puts a damper on the season. If they win — especially if they win big — then the hype for the Vols all offseason is going to be out of this world. That's a good thing when it comes to the perception of the program among recruits.
So yes, while this game doesn't mean as much as a playoff game, it's still an extremely important game for Tennessee. And if they win, it'll help erase some of the pain of the South Carolina loss earlier this season.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
