National media outlet makes prediction that Tennessee Vols fans won't like
The Tennessee Vols' goal for the 2024 season is clear. Make the expanded 12 team College Football Playoff. With former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava set to start at quarterback in 2024, the time is now for the Vols to compete for a national championship. That doesn't mean Tennessee is one of the favorites to win […]
The Tennessee Vols' goal for the 2024 season is clear.
Make the expanded 12 team College Football Playoff.
With former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava set to start at quarterback in 2024, the time is now for the Vols to compete for a national championship. That doesn't mean Tennessee is one of the favorites to win it all next season — there are still programs with more talent — but the Vols should at least be in the conversation. Which, of course, means making the newly expanded playoff.
CBS Sports, however, doesn't think the Vols will reach their goal next season.
The national sports media outlet made an early prediction for which teams will make the 12-team playoff in 2024 and Tennessee wasn't one of the programs they included.
Here's their 12-team playoff prediction.
1. Georgia (SEC champion)
2. Michigan (Big 10 champion)
3. Clemson (ACC champion)
4. Oklahoma State (Big 12 champion)
5. Texas (At large)
6. Alabama (At large)
7. Washington (At large)
8. Notre Dame (At large)
9. Utah (At large)
10. Ole Miss (At large)
11. Tulane (AAC champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West champion)
It's obviously far too early to make a realistic prediction for next year's playoff. 2024 rosters are still being shaped and a lot will change between now and next fall.
Tennessee essentially needs to finish in the top 10 to make the playoff (because of the automatic bids). After finishing No. 17 in 2023 with mediocre quarterback play, it seems likely that the Vols will be able to get back into the top 10 as they did in 2022. CBS Sports, however, is placing their bet against the Vols repeating their success from 2022.
Josh Heupel can prove he has staying power with a playoff appearance in 2024. And his team should have plenty of motivation to get to the playoff with the doubt that's being directed their way from the national media.
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