Tennessee Vols are listed as slight favorite in must win game
The most important thing the Tennessee Vols can do in Jeremy Pruitt's second season as the program's head coach is win six games and reach a bowl game for the first time since 2016. UT's path to a bowl game in 2019 is certainly easier than it was in 2018, but it's still far from […]
The most important thing the Tennessee Vols can do in Jeremy Pruitt's second season as the program's head coach is win six games and reach a bowl game for the first time since 2016.
UT's path to a bowl game in 2019 is certainly easier than it was in 2018, but it's still far from automatic.
The Vols will likely cruise to victory in their season opener against Georgia State on August 31. But then a pivotal game awaits in the second week of the season.
Tennessee will take on BYU on September 7 in a game that is essentially a must-win if the Vols are going to play in a bowl game next season.
And while this feels like a game the Vols should easily win, it's not a matchup UT can take lightly.
With just over a month before the 2019 season starts, the Volunteers are only a four point favorite against the Cougars.
If Tennessee doesn't beat BYU, their path to a bowl game will suddenly look bleak. There are only three "automatic wins" on UT's schedule (and calling the game against UAB an automatic win is generous).
Basically, if the Vols can't beat BYU, it means they'll have to win at least three conference games to reach a bowl game.
Tennessee is absolutely capable of winning three (or more) conference games, but if they lose to BYU my confidence in their ability to beat three SEC teams will drop.
The BYU game will set the tone for the 2019 season. If the Vols win, they'll be well on their way to a winning season. If they lose, fans' confidence in Pruitt's ability as a head coach will wane.
Featured image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
