ESPN identifies Tennessee Football's schedule quirk that is 11 years old and counting

The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for another thrilling slate of college football action in 2024, and the “On3” story on the Vols’ official website gives fans a detailed snapshot of what’s in store. The piece pulls together the season’s road map, highlights a handful of ESPN superlatives that the team has earned (or could earn), and ends with a handful of quirky facts that only a Vols fan would appreciate.

A Season‑Long Roadmap: The 2024 Schedule

The Vols’ 2024 season is structured around an 8‑game SEC schedule and a series of non‑conference match‑ups that provide both early‑season excitement and late‑season payoff. Key points from the article include:

Opening Non‑Conference Game vs. Boise State
Tennessee starts the season on the road in Boise, Idaho on Saturday, August 25. This is a true “tough‑love” opening—Boise State’s high‑scoring offense has historically been a formidable opponent. The game is set to be the season’s first nationally televised matchup and will put the Vols in the spotlight right away.
First Home Game vs. Appalachian State
On September 15, the Vols host the “Mountaineers” at Neyland Stadium. Appalachian State, a conference‑crossing non‑conference foe, is known for its “Beast Mode” defense, making it a real test of Tennessee’s offensive line.
SEC Kickoff: vs. Mississippi State
The conference slate kicks off on Saturday, September 29, with a home game against the Bulldogs. This is the first of the ten SEC match‑ups and will serve as a barometer for how the Vols stack up against their peers.
Mid‑Season Neutral‑Site Game vs. LSU
On November 10, Tennessee heads to Baton Rouge for a neutral‑site showdown at the LSU Tigers. This is a highlight of the season, as the two programs have a long‑standing rivalry and the game is a prime candidate for the “Game of the Week” slot on ESPN.
Final SEC Game at Texas A&M
The season concludes on Saturday, December 1, with a trip to College Station, Texas. The Vols face the Aggies on the road in a game that could decide bowl eligibility, depending on how the rest of the conference falls.

These dates give the team a balanced mix of home, away, and neutral‑site games, with a few high‑profile clashes that can create buzz on the national stage. The schedule is laid out to keep the team engaged while also giving fans plenty of reasons to tune in—whether it’s the early‑season showdown with Boise State or the late‑season clash with LSU.

ESPN Superlatives: The Vols’ Standing in the National Conversation

ESPN is known for its end‑of‑season “Superlatives” (or “Power Rankings” as the network calls them in the off‑season). The On3 article highlights the types of accolades that the Vols have already earned—and what they’re aiming for next:

“Fastest‑Growing Program”
Tennessee has posted a dramatic rise in the ESPN Power Rankings over the last three seasons, climbing from the lower‑tier of the SEC to a top‑ten national program. The article cites the coaching staff’s focus on speed and agility training as the main reason for this jump.
“Most Improved Offense”
In the 2023 season, the Vols’ offensive line was named the “Most Improved” unit by ESPN analysts, thanks to a significant drop in sacks allowed and an uptick in first‑down conversions. The new offensive playbook, introduced in the offseason, is expected to capitalize on this momentum.
“Hardest‑Playing Defense”
Tennessee’s defensive coordinator has a reputation for coaching a bruising, hard‑to‑penetrate unit. ESPN’s preseason analysis notes that the Vols’ defense is the “hardest‑playing” in the SEC in terms of tackles for loss and forced fumbles per game.

The article stresses that the Vols have an “unbreakable” chance to win more superlatives if they maintain their offensive line’s performance and keep their defensive unit disciplined. While the team is currently ranked 12th in the ESPN Power Rankings, the “Superlatives” are a moving target—especially as the SEC continues to evolve.

The Quirky Side of the Schedule

Every football program has its idiosyncrasies, and the Vols are no exception. The On3 article ends on a light‑hearted note, outlining a few quirks that have come to define Tennessee’s season:

The “Early‑Morning” Game vs. Kentucky
On October 26, the Vols face the Wildcats at 8:30 a.m., one of the earliest start times in the SEC. Fans jokingly refer to it as the “coffee game” because it gives them a chance to warm up before the main lineup.
The “Home‑Field” Advantage
Neyland Stadium’s average attendance of 86,000 people in 2023 has been dubbed the “home‑field advantage of a lifetime.” The article quotes a longtime fan who swears the roar of the crowd is felt in the “back of your mind.”
The “Traveling 4‑A‑Day”
The Vols’ travel schedule includes a 4‑day stretch in late October where the team flies to Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa for back‑to‑back games. ESPN’s travel crew even filmed a short segment on how the coaching staff manages this logistical nightmare, complete with a “coach’s travel bag” that contains an extra pair of cleats.
The “Historic Rivalry” with Florida
The Vols play the Gators in late September, a game that has earned the “historic rivalry” tag since the 1990s. The article reminds readers that the last time Tennessee won this matchup was in 2014, a fact that keeps the tension alive.

Final Thoughts

The On3 article is a well‑rounded primer for Vols fans and neutral observers alike. By mapping out the 2024 schedule, tying in ESPN’s coveted superlatives, and sprinkling in a few quirky tidbits, it gives a comprehensive look at what the Tennessee Volunteers can expect in the coming season. Whether you’re a long‑time fan looking for details about the Boise State opener, an ESPN superlatives junkie hoping to see the Vols claim “Fastest‑Growing Program,” or just curious about the quirks that set the Vols apart, the article delivers all the essential information in one digestible package.

Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-schedule-espn-superlatives-quirk/ ]

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