National media outlet grades Tennessee's 2024 season after Vols' first round playoff exit
The Tennessee Vols' 2024 season didn't end the way that players, coaches, and fans hoped. Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history in 2024, but the season came to an end via a 42-17 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the playoff. Despite the […]
The Tennessee Vols' 2024 season didn't end the way that players, coaches, and fans hoped.
Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history in 2024, but the season came to an end via a 42-17 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the playoff.
Despite the loss, 247Sports still gave the Volunteers an "A" for the program's performance in 2024.
From 247Sports: One of four teams who received banner marks in the SEC this season, the only drawback to Tennessee's first playoff appearance was how it ended — a non-competitive loss at Ohio State. Dylan Sampson carried the Vols with 22 touchdowns on the ground and a league-best 1,491 yards rushing while Tennessee's defense was second only to Texas in total defense and ranked high in most other categories. The loss at Arkansas was tough to swallow, but the Vols made up for it with a win over Alabama at Neyland Stadium.
247Sports graded every SEC team's 2024 season and no team received a higher grade than Tennessee (Texas also received an "A").
The Vols wanted to end the season with a national championship celebration. But the season was still a smashing success even though that's not how it ended for Tennessee.
Ahead of the 2024 season, there were eight or nine SEC teams with hopes of reaching the playoff — Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Only three of those teams made the playoff — Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.
That's an accomplishment that Vols fans should be proud of. And it shows that the program is continuing to move in a positive direction.
