The Tennessee Vols will enter the 2022 season with higher expectations than they did in 2021.

Last year, which was Josh Heupel's first as the Vols' head coach, not many folks expected Tennessee to finish the regular season with seven wins.

But that's exactly what the Vols did. And they were a bad call away in the Music City Bowl from finishing with eight wins.

Tennessee will need to show improvement in 2022 after Heupel's impressive debut season. If the Volunteers are truly going to compete for an SEC East division title, they have to keep showing progress. There's absolutely no reason Tennessee should take a step back in 2022.

Now that spring practice is in the books, here's how I see the season playing out.

Tennessee vs Ball State (September 1)

Moving this game to a Thursday night was a great move by Tennessee. The Vols should cruise to a win against an overmatched team in front of a national audience. Vols win (1-0)

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh (September 10)

I know this game is on the road and the Volunteers lost to Pittsburgh last year. But two big things have changed — Hendon Hooker is Tennessee's starting quarterback now and Kenny Pickett is no longer at Pittsburgh. Kedon Slovis transferred to Pitt this offseason, but the Panthers' quarterback battle is still ongoing. Vols win (2-0)

Tennessee vs Akron (September 17)

Nothing much to say about this one. Tennessee should win this game by at least 35 points. Vols win (3-0)

Tennessee vs Florida (September 24)

Here we go — maybe the biggest game of the year for Tennessee. The Vols should beat Florida in 2022. If Josh Heupel is for real, the Vols need to erase the Florida curse (which still seems to be a thing, despite UT's win against the Gators in 2016). Tennessee is the better team going up against a first-time SEC head coach. They can't lose this game. Vols win (4-0)

Tennessee @ LSU (October 8)

I've gone back and forth on this game. It's a true toss-up game. Tennessee can absolutely win this game. But LSU, even though they fired Ed Orgeron, still has a lot of talent. I don't know what to expect from Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge, but for now, I'm going to give the Tigers the edge. Vols lose (4-1)

Second half of season ————->>>

Tennessee vs Alabama (October 15)

Tennessee just isn't in a spot to compete with Alabama for 60 minutes. The Vols' scheme works against the Crimson Tide, but Tennessee doesn't have the depth to beat Bama just yet. Vols lose (4-2)

Tennessee vs UT-Martin (October 22)

Tennessee should cruise in this game just like they should cruise against Akron and Ball State. This game is placed nicely on the schedule to give the Vols a reprieve against SEC competition. Vols win (5-2)

Tennessee vs Kentucky (October 29)

Kentucky is usually a good team under Mark Stoops. And they should still be good in 2022.  But the Vols seemingly have their number. Tennessee isn't losing this game at home in late October. Vols win (6-2)

Tennessee @ Georgia (November 5)

This is the same thing as the Alabama game. The Vols don't quite have enough depth yet. Vols lose (6-3)

Tennessee vs Missouri (November 12)

Tennessee throttled Missouri last year and there's no reason to expect any different in 2022. Vols win (7-3)

Tennessee @ South Carolina (November 19)

I know there are a lot of Shane Beamer fans out there and I get it — he's a good coach. But Heupel is better. And the Vols should be better in 2022. Which means they should blow out South Carolina…again. Vols win (8-3)

Tennessee @ Vanderbilt (November 26)

Vandy is really bad and Tennessee isn't. The Vols are going to take over Nashville and boat race the Commodores in their own stadium. Tennessee will win the regular-season finale to give themselves a chance to win 10 games for the first time since 2007. Vols win (9-3)

Featured image via Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports