Humor & Quirks
Sun, August 3, 2025
[ Yesterday Evening ]: on3.com
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Jerry
[ Yesterday Evening ]: MassLive
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: KARE 11
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: WTNH Hartford
[ Yesterday Morning ]: MLive
[ Yesterday Morning ]: gpfans
[ Yesterday Morning ]: AtoZ Sports
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Sporting News
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WFMZ-TV
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Rock Paper Shotgun
[ Yesterday Morning ]: National Geographic news
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The New Republic
[ Yesterday Morning ]: BuzzFeed
Sat, August 2, 2025
[ Last Saturday ]: Parade Pets
[ Last Saturday ]: The Sporting News
[ Last Saturday ]: Chicago Tribune
[ Last Saturday ]: The Columbian
[ Last Saturday ]: Forbes
[ Last Saturday ]: WGME
[ Last Saturday ]: The Raw Story
[ Last Saturday ]: WSL Full-Time
[ Last Saturday ]: BuzzFeed
[ Last Saturday ]: House Digest
[ Last Saturday ]: YourTango
[ Last Saturday ]: MLB
[ Last Saturday ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Last Saturday ]: Gold Derby
[ Last Saturday ]: The New Zealand Herald
[ Last Saturday ]: Los Angeles Daily News
[ Last Saturday ]: Heavy.com
[ Last Saturday ]: The Dispatch
[ Last Saturday ]: Seattle Times
[ Last Saturday ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Last Saturday ]: Rolling Stone
[ Last Saturday ]: PC World
[ Last Saturday ]: New York Post
[ Last Saturday ]: Journal Star
[ Last Saturday ]: Sporting News
[ Last Saturday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Saturday ]: WMBD Peoria
Thu, July 31, 2025
[ Last Thursday ]: yahoo.com
[ Last Thursday ]: PureWow
[ Last Thursday ]: fingerlakes1
[ Last Thursday ]: the-sun.com
Wed, July 30, 2025
[ Last Wednesday ]: fingerlakes1
[ Last Wednesday ]: WFMZ-TV
[ Last Wednesday ]: Neowin
[ Last Wednesday ]: NME
[ Last Wednesday ]: PhoneArena
[ Last Wednesday ]: Associated Press
Tue, July 29, 2025
[ Last Tuesday ]: WNYT NewsChannel 13
[ Last Tuesday ]: The New Zealand Herald
[ Last Tuesday ]: PC World
[ Last Tuesday ]: Forbes
[ Last Tuesday ]: SlashGear
[ Last Tuesday ]: Men's Journal
[ Last Tuesday ]: PhoneArena
[ Last Tuesday ]: Rock Paper Shotgun
[ Last Tuesday ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Last Tuesday ]: Food Republic
[ Last Tuesday ]: Irish Examiner
[ Last Tuesday ]: The Boston Globe
[ Last Tuesday ]: Talksport
[ Last Tuesday ]: The Financial Express
Mon, July 28, 2025
[ Last Monday ]: The Inertia
[ Last Monday ]: Forbes
[ Last Monday ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Last Monday ]: East Bay Times
[ Last Monday ]: Newsweek
[ Last Monday ]: ESPN
[ Last Monday ]: Real Simple
[ Last Monday ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: NPR
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Sun Sentinel
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: SheKnows
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Men's Journal
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Chicago Tribune
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Los Angeles Daily News
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Yahoo Sports
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: The Globe and Mail
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Roll Tide Wire
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Cleveland.com
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: TSN
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: Dallas Morning News
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: NBC Chicago
[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: nbcnews.com
Sun, July 27, 2025
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: Southern Living
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: TechSpot
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: Le Monde.fr
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: TechRadar
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: Rolling Stone
[ Sun, Jul 27th ]: Daily Mail
Sat, July 26, 2025
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: Vogue
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: fox6now
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: BuzzFeed
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: YourTango
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Sat, Jul 26th ]: on3.com
Fri, July 25, 2025
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Fox 11 News
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: USA TODAY
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: The Baltimore Sun
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Seattle Times
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: SPIN
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Yen.com.gh
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Newsweek
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: breitbart.com
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Mashable
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: The Indianapolis Star
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: DC News Now Washington
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WWLP Springfield
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: The Frederick News-Post, Md.
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: MassLive
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: Chicago Tribune
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: KTVI
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WJTV Jackson
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WGAL
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: The Texas Tribune
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WSYR Syracuse
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WESH
[ Fri, Jul 25th ]: WSMV
Thu, July 24, 2025
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: Toronto Star
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: Daily Meal
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: The Daily Dot
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: YourTango
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: KTVU
[ Thu, Jul 24th ]: News 8000
Wed, July 23, 2025
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Orange County Register
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: CNN
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WFMZ-TV
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: The Sun
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: MassLive
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Seeking Alpha
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: ClutchPoints
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Forbes
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Billboard
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Mashable
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: The Wrap
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: The Motley Fool
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Brides
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Athlon Sports
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Newsweek
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: The Columbian
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Parade
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: KHON Honolulu
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: The Telegraph
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WSB Cox articles
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Reuters
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Total Pro Sports
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WSB-TV
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: NewsNation
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Fox News
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WGME
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WDAF
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: WTTG
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Onlymyhealth
[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: Grand Forks Herald
Tue, July 22, 2025
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WJAX
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The Courier-Journal
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WAVY
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Channel NewsAsia Singapore
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: E! News
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: yahoo.com
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Los Angeles Times
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: gizmodo.com
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WVLA Baton Rouge
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The New Zealand Herald
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WSB-TV
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WKBN Youngstown
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Telegram
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WSB Cox articles
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The Telegraph
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: lbbonline
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: CBS News
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: KHQ
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Fox Business
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WIVB
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: WLWT
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif.
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Democrat and Chronicle
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: HuffPost
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Chowhound
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Vulture
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The Sun
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: AZ Central
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: Daily Express
[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The Independent
Mon, July 21, 2025
[ Mon, Jul 21st ]: MassLive
[ Mon, Jul 21st ]: earth
ESPN identifies Tennessee Football's schedule quirk that is 11 years old and counting
//humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/08 .. ule-quirk-that-is-11-years-old-and-counting.html
Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 22:26 GMT by on3.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
ESPN this week identified a Tennessee Football schedule quirk that is 11 years old and counting, concerning non-conference road games.
Tennessee Vols Football Schedule: Breaking Down ESPN's Superlatives and Quirks
The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal 2024 college football season, with their schedule drawing significant attention from analysts at ESPN. In a detailed breakdown, ESPN has applied a series of superlatives to highlight the unique aspects, challenges, and opportunities within the Vols' slate of games. This analysis underscores Tennessee's position in the ever-competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), where the Volunteers aim to build on recent successes under head coach Josh Heupel. With a mix of non-conference tune-ups, rivalry clashes, and high-stakes conference battles, the schedule is a blend of winnable matchups and daunting tests that could define the team's playoff aspirations. Let's dive into ESPN's key superlatives and the quirks that make this year's lineup particularly intriguing.
Starting with the non-conference portion, ESPN identifies the easiest non-conference game for Tennessee as their opener against Chattanooga on August 31 at Neyland Stadium. This matchup against the FCS-level Mocs is seen as a classic tune-up opportunity, allowing the Vols to shake off any offseason rust without much resistance. Chattanooga, coming off a respectable but not overpowering season in the Southern Conference, lacks the depth and talent to truly challenge a Power Five program like Tennessee. Historically, the Vols have dominated such games, often using them to experiment with new plays and give younger players valuable reps. This game sets a low-pressure tone for the season, enabling Heupel's high-octane offense—led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava—to build confidence early. ESPN notes that while it's not glamorous, it's essential for momentum, especially with tougher tests looming.
On the flip side, the toughest non-conference game is pegged as the September 14 clash against NC State in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium, part of the Duke's Mayo Classic. This neutral-site showdown against the Wolfpack, who boast a veteran quarterback in Grayson McCall (a transfer from Coastal Carolina) and a stingy defense, represents a step up in competition. NC State finished last season with a 9-4 record and has a knack for pulling off upsets against SEC teams. ESPN highlights the quirk here: the game's location in Charlotte adds a layer of unpredictability, as it's essentially a road environment for Tennessee despite being labeled neutral. The Vols will need to navigate NC State's physical style, which could expose any early-season vulnerabilities in Tennessee's secondary or offensive line. A win here would be a statement victory, boosting resumes for both the team and Iamaleava, who steps into the starting role full-time after Joe Milton's departure.
Shifting to the conference slate, ESPN's pick for the easiest SEC game is the October 5 home tilt against Kentucky. The Wildcats, while always feisty in this border rivalry, are projected to be in a rebuilding phase with questions at quarterback and a defense that lost key pieces. Tennessee has owned this series in recent years, winning the last three meetings convincingly, including a 33-27 thriller in 2023. The Volunteers' explosive offense should exploit Kentucky's inconsistencies, making this a game where Tennessee can pad stats and rest starters if things go according to plan. However, ESPN cautions that rivalries can defy logic, and Kentucky's history of spoiling Tennessee's plans adds a subtle quirk—think of the Wildcats' upset potential fueled by Mark Stoops' gritty coaching style.
Conversely, the toughest SEC game is no surprise: the November 16 road trip to Georgia. Facing the Bulldogs in Athens is a rite of passage for any SEC contender, and ESPN labels this as Tennessee's sternest test. Georgia, perennial national title favorites under Kirby Smart, returns a loaded roster including quarterback Carson Beck and a defense that's arguably the best in the country. The Vols' last win in Athens came in 2016, and recent matchups have been lopsided in Georgia's favor. This game's placement late in the season amplifies its importance; a victory could catapult Tennessee into College Football Playoff contention, while a loss might dash those hopes. ESPN points out the atmospheric quirk: Sanford Stadium's "Between the Hedges" environment is notoriously hostile, with crowd noise that can disrupt even the most poised offenses like Heupel's.
One of the more fascinating categories is the toughest stretch of the schedule, which ESPN identifies as the three-game gauntlet from October 12 to November 2: home against Florida, home against Alabama, and away at Kentucky—wait, no, actually, it's the sequence involving Alabama on October 19, followed by a bye, then Kentucky, but ESPN bundles it with the Florida game prior. More precisely, the analysis focuses on the emotional and physical toll of facing Florida (October 12), Alabama (October 19), and then a potential trap at Kentucky after a bye. This "Third Saturday in October" rivalry with Alabama is the centerpiece, a blood feud renewed annually. Alabama, even in a post-Nick Saban era under Kalen DeBoer, remains a powerhouse with elite talent like quarterback Jalen Milroe. Florida, meanwhile, is desperate under Billy Napier and could play spoiler. The quirk here is the bye week sandwiched in, which might help recovery but also risks rust. Tennessee's ability to navigate this without injuries or mental fatigue will be crucial, as it comes right in the heart of SEC play.
For the sneakiest-tough game, ESPN spotlights the September 21 road game at Oklahoma. This marks Tennessee's first trip to Norman as SEC foes, following Oklahoma's conference realignment. The Sooners, led by Brent Venables, have a potent offense with quarterback Jackson Arnold and a defense that's improving. What makes it sneaky? It's early in the season, sandwiched between non-conference games, and could catch Tennessee off-guard if they're looking ahead to SEC wars. The historical context adds flavor—Oklahoma and Tennessee have met sparingly, but this new rivalry could ignite fireworks. ESPN notes the travel quirk: the Vols haven't played in Oklahoma since 1968, making it an unfamiliar road environment with passionate fans.
The game with the most on the line is undoubtedly the November 30 finale against Vanderbilt in Nashville. As the regular-season closer, it could determine bowl eligibility, playoff seeding, or simply bragging rights in the Volunteer State. Vanderbilt, while often an SEC doormat, has shown flashes under Clark Lea, and Tennessee can't afford complacency. A loss here would be disastrous, echoing past upsets that have derailed seasons.
ESPN also highlights underrated games, like the November 9 home matchup with Mississippi State. The Bulldogs, rebuilding after the loss of coach Mike Leach's influence, might not seem threatening, but new coach Jeff Lebby's air-raid offense could test Tennessee's defense. It's underrated because it's overshadowed by bigger names, yet a slip-up could hurt tiebreakers.
A major quirk in the schedule is the lack of a true "gimme" in the back half, with every game carrying upset potential due to the expanded SEC. Tennessee's bye weeks—after Oklahoma and before Kentucky—provide strategic breaks, but the overall balance leans toward home-heavy early (four of first five at Neyland) and road tests late.
In terms of overall difficulty, ESPN ranks Tennessee's schedule as moderately tough, not the SEC's hardest but challenging enough to forge a playoff team if navigated well. The Volunteers return key pieces like running back Dylan Sampson and a revamped defense under Tim Banks, positioning them for a potential 10-win season. Heupel's tempo offense, which averaged over 30 points per game last year, will be key against stout defenses like Georgia's and Oklahoma's.
Looking broader, this schedule reflects the evolving SEC landscape with no divisions, meaning more cross-conference matchups. Tennessee avoids some heavyweights like LSU and Ole Miss but draws Alabama, Georgia, and Florida annually, plus newcomers like Oklahoma. Fan excitement is palpable, with sellouts expected at Neyland for marquee games.
In conclusion, ESPN's superlatives paint a picture of a schedule that's equal parts opportunity and peril for Tennessee. From easy openers to brutal road trips, the quirks—neutral sites, new rivalries, and strategic byes—add layers of intrigue. If the Vols capitalize on winnable games and steal a few upsets, 2024 could be a breakthrough year. As Heupel often says, it's about execution week in and week out. Volunteers fans will be watching closely, hoping this slate propels them back to national prominence. (Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-schedule-espn-superlatives-quirk/ ]