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The Tennessee Volunteers football team is set to embark on a new season in 2022, with high hopes of building on their successful 11-2 record from 2021. Led by head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers will face a challenging schedule that includes several ranked opponents. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Tennessee’s 2022 football schedule, including every opponent, date, and time.
The Volunteers will open their season on September 1st at home against Ball State. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2016. Tennessee will then hit the road for a matchup with Pittsburgh on September 10th. The Panthers are coming off a 10-3 season in 2021 and will be a tough test for the Volunteers.
After a bye week, Tennessee will return to action on September 24th at home against Akron. The Zips finished 2-10 last season and should be an easy win for the Volunteers.
tn volunteers football schedule 2022
The Tennessee Volunteers football team will face a challenging schedule in 2022, with several ranked opponents.
- Season opener: Ball State (home)
- Tough road test: Pittsburgh (away)
- Homecoming game: Akron (home)
- SEC opener: Florida (away)
- Rivalry matchup: Alabama (home)
- Potential trap game: Kentucky (away)
- Late-season showdown: Georgia (home)
- Regular season finale: Vanderbilt (away)
- Possible bowl game: TBD
- National Championship: TBD (if they make it)
The Volunteers will need to be at their best in order to navigate this challenging schedule and achieve their goals for the 2022 season.
Season opener: Ball State (home)
The Tennessee Volunteers will kick off their 2022 football season at home against Ball State on September 1st. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2016.
- New era begins:
This game will mark the start of the Josh Heupel era at Tennessee. Heupel was hired as head coach in January 2021 and will be looking to make a good first impression on the Volunteer faithful.
- Ball State no pushover:
While Ball State is not a ranked opponent, they are not a team to be overlooked. The Cardinals finished 6-6 last season and have a solid returning core of players.
- Home-field advantage:
The Volunteers will be looking to take advantage of their home-field advantage in this game. Neyland Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football, and the crowd will be rocking for the season opener.
- Statement game:
Tennessee needs to come out and make a statement in this game. A convincing win over Ball State would send a message to the rest of the SEC that the Volunteers are a team to be reckoned with in 2022.
The Volunteers should be favored to win this game, but they cannot afford to take Ball State lightly. The Cardinals have the potential to be a spoiler, and Tennessee will need to be at their best to avoid an upset.
Tough road test: Pittsburgh (away)
The Tennessee Volunteers will face their first major test of the 2022 season when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers on September 10th. Pittsburgh is coming off a 10-3 season in 2021 and is ranked No. 17 in the preseason AP Poll.
The Panthers have a lot of talent returning from last year’s team, including quarterback Kedon Slovis, who transferred from USC. Slovis is a dynamic playmaker who can beat you with his arm and his legs. He will be protected by an experienced offensive line that returns four starters.
Pittsburgh also has a strong defense, led by linebacker SirVocea Dennis. Dennis is one of the best defenders in the country and will be a handful for the Tennessee offense. The Panthers also have a talented secondary that includes cornerback Damarri Mathis, who is a potential first-round NFL Draft pick.
The Volunteers will need to be at their best to pull off an upset in this game. They will need to find a way to slow down Slovis and the Pittsburgh offense, and they will need to take advantage of their opportunities on offense. If they can do those things, they have a chance to make a statement and prove that they are a contender in the SEC East.
This game is a big opportunity for the Volunteers to show that they are ready to compete with the top teams in the country. A win in Pittsburgh would give them a huge boost of confidence and would send a message to the rest of the SEC that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Homecoming game: Akron (home)
The Tennessee Volunteers will return home for their homecoming game on September 24th against Akron. The Zips finished 2-10 last season and should be an easy win for the Volunteers.
- Bounce-back opportunity:
After a tough road test against Pittsburgh, the Volunteers will be looking to bounce back with a convincing win over Akron. This game is a chance for Tennessee to get their offense going and build some confidence before the start of SEC play.
- Homecoming atmosphere:
The homecoming game is always a special event at Tennessee. The stadium will be packed with fans and the atmosphere will be electric. The Volunteers will be looking to feed off the energy of the crowd and put on a show for their fans.
- Chance for young players to shine:
With the game against Akron likely to be a blowout, Tennessee will have the opportunity to give some of their younger players some playing time. This is a valuable opportunity for the Volunteers to develop their depth and get some of their younger players some experience.
- Trap game potential:
While Akron is a weak opponent, the Volunteers cannot afford to overlook them. The Zips have the potential to be a spoiler if Tennessee is not focused and prepared. The Volunteers will need to approach this game with the same intensity and focus that they would any other game on their schedule.
The Tennessee Volunteers should be able to win this game easily, but they cannot afford to take Akron lightly. The Zips have the potential to be a spoiler if Tennessee is not focused and prepared. The Volunteers will need to approach this game with the same intensity and focus that they would any other game on their schedule.
SEC opener: Florida (away)
The Tennessee Volunteers will open their SEC schedule on October 1st with a trip to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Florida is coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2021, but they are still a talented team with a lot of potential.
The Gators have a new head coach in Billy Napier, who comes to Florida after a successful stint at Louisiana. Napier is known for his innovative offensive schemes, and he will be looking to implement his system in Gainesville. Florida also has a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball, led by linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. and cornerback Jason Marshall Jr.
The Volunteers will need to be at their best to pull off an upset in this game. They will need to find a way to slow down Florida’s offense and take advantage of their opportunities on offense. If they can do those things, they have a chance to make a statement and prove that they are a contender in the SEC East.
This game is a big opportunity for the Volunteers to show that they are ready to compete with the top teams in the SEC. A win in Gainesville would give them a huge boost of confidence and would send a message to the rest of the conference that they are a team to be reckoned with.
However, the Volunteers will need to be wary of the Florida Gators. Florida is a proud program with a lot of tradition. They will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2021 season and prove that they are still one of the top teams in the SEC. The Volunteers will need to be at their best if they want to come out of Gainesville with a win.
Rivalry matchup: Alabama (home)
The Tennessee Volunteers will host their biggest rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide, on October 15th at Neyland Stadium. This is one of the most heated rivalries in all of college football, and the atmosphere in Knoxville on game day will be electric.
- Battle for the Third Saturday in October:
This game is known as the “Third Saturday in October” and is one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. The two teams have met on this date every year since 1901, with the exception of 1943 when the game was canceled due to World War II.
- National championship implications:
Both Alabama and Tennessee have national championship aspirations in 2022. This game could have a major impact on the College Football Playoff race.
- Strength vs. strength matchup:
Alabama has one of the best offenses in the country, led by quarterback Bryce Young. Tennessee has one of the best defenses in the country, led by linebacker Jeremy Banks. This game will be a battle of strength vs. strength.
- Home-field advantage:
Neyland Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The Volunteers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage in this game.
This game is always a close one, and this year’s matchup is sure to be no different. The Volunteers will need to be at their best if they want to pull off an upset and beat the Crimson Tide.
Potential trap game: Kentucky (away)
The Tennessee Volunteers will travel to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats on November 12th. This game is a potential trap game for the Volunteers, as it comes sandwiched between two big games against Alabama and Georgia.
- Lookahead to Georgia:
The Volunteers will be heavily favored in this game, and they may be looking ahead to their matchup with Georgia the following week. This could lead to a lack of focus and intensity against Kentucky.
- Kentucky’s recent success:
Kentucky has been a tough opponent for Tennessee in recent years. The Wildcats have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams.
- Road game:
This game will be played at Kroger Field in Lexington, which is a tough place to play. The Wildcats have a good home-field advantage, and the Volunteers will need to be at their best to win this game.
- Motivation for Kentucky:
Kentucky will be looking to play spoiler in this game. The Wildcats know that Tennessee is a potential College Football Playoff contender, and they will be motivated to knock them off.
The Tennessee Volunteers cannot afford to overlook Kentucky in this game. The Wildcats are a dangerous team, and they could easily pull off an upset if the Volunteers are not careful. The Volunteers will need to be focused and prepared if they want to come out of Lexington with a win.
Late-season showdown: Georgia (home)
The Tennessee Volunteers will host their biggest rival, the Georgia Bulldogs, on November 26th at Neyland Stadium. This is one of the most anticipated games of the college football season, and the atmosphere in Knoxville on game day will be electric.
- SEC East implications:
This game will likely decide the SEC East Divisionå† å†›ship. Both teams are expected to be contenders in 2022, and this game could have a major impact on the College Football Playoff race.
- National championship implications:
Both Georgia and Tennessee have national championship aspirations in 2022. This game could be a preview of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
- Strength vs. strength matchup:
Georgia has one of the best defenses in the country, led by linebacker Nolan Smith. Tennessee has one of the best offenses in the country, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker. This game will be a battle of strength vs. strength.
- Home-field advantage:
Neyland Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The Volunteers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage in this game.
This game is sure to be one of the most exciting games of the college football season. The Volunteers will need to be at their best if they want to pull off an upset and beat the Bulldogs.
Regular season finale: Vanderbilt (away)
The Tennessee Volunteers will wrap up their regular season on November 24th with a trip to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. This game is always a special one for the Volunteers, as it is their chance to play in front of their fans in Music City.
The Commodores are not a strong team, but they are always looking to play spoiler against their in-state rivals. The Volunteers will need to be careful not to overlook Vanderbilt in this game.
This game is also an opportunity for the Volunteers to get some momentum heading into the postseason. A win over Vanderbilt would give them a lot of confidence and would send them into the SEC Championship Game on a high note.
The Volunteers should be able to win this game easily, but they cannot afford to take Vanderbilt lightly. The Commodores are a proud program with a lot of tradition. They will be looking to play their best game of the season against their biggest rival.
The Tennessee Volunteers will need to be at their best if they want to finish the regular season with a perfect record. A win over Vanderbilt would give them a lot of momentum heading into the SEC Championship Game and would also help them improve their chances of making the College Football Playoff.
Possible bowl game: TBD
The Tennessee Volunteers are hoping to earn a spot in a bowl game in 2022. The Volunteers have not been to a bowl game since 2019, and they are eager to return to the postseason.
The Volunteers’ bowl destination will depend on their record and their ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings. If the Volunteers finish in the top 12, they will likely earn a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. If they finish outside the top 12, they will likely be placed in a lower-tier bowl game.
Some possible bowl games that the Volunteers could be selected for include the Music City Bowl, the Gator Bowl, and the Liberty Bowl. The Volunteers have a history of success in all of these bowl games, and they would be a welcome addition to any of them.
The Volunteers will need to finish the regular season strong in order to earn a spot in a bowl game. They have a challenging schedule, but they have the talent and the experience to make a run at a bowl berth.
A bowl game appearance would be a great way for the Volunteers to cap off a successful season. It would also give them a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.
National Championship: TBD (if they make it)
The Tennessee Volunteers have a chance to make a run at the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022. The Volunteers have a talented roster and a favorable schedule, and they are one of the few teams in the country that can realistically compete for a national title.
- Strong schedule:
The Volunteers have one of the strongest schedules in the country in 2022. They will face six teams that are ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, including Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. This schedule will prepare the Volunteers for the challenges they will face in the College Football Playoff.
- Talented roster:
The Volunteers have a roster full of talented players, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receiver Cedric Tillman. The Volunteers also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Jeremy Banks and cornerback Kamal Hadden.
- Favorable path to the SEC Championship Game:
The Volunteers have a favorable path to the SEC Championship Game in 2022. They avoid Alabama and Georgia in the regular season, and they only have one road game against a ranked opponent (Kentucky).
- Experience:
The Volunteers have a lot of experience on their roster, including 15 starters who are returning from last season. This experience will be invaluable in the College Football Playoff, where the games are often decided by small margins.
The Tennessee Volunteers have all the pieces in place to make a run at the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022. They have a strong schedule, a talented roster, a favorable path to the SEC Championship Game, and a lot of experience. If the Volunteers can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to make a special run this season.
FAQ
Have questions about the Tennessee Volunteers football team? Here are some frequently asked questions from fans:
Question 1: When is the Tennessee Volunteers football schedule for 2022?
Answer 1: The Tennessee Volunteers football schedule for 2022 includes 12 regular season games, starting on September 1st against Ball State and ending on November 24th against Vanderbilt. The Volunteers will also play in the SEC Championship Game on December 3rd if they win the SEC East Division.
Question 2: Where can I watch Tennessee Volunteers football games?
Answer 2: Tennessee Volunteers football games can be watched on a variety of networks, including ESPN, SEC Network, and CBS. You can also listen to the games on the radio or stream them online.
Question 3: Who are the Tennessee Volunteers’ biggest rivals?
Answer 3: The Tennessee Volunteers’ biggest rivals are the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators. The Volunteers also have a long-standing rivalry with the Georgia Bulldogs.
Question 4: What is the Tennessee Volunteers’ fight song?
Answer 4: The Tennessee Volunteers’ fight song is “Rocky Top.” The song was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1967, and it has become one of the most recognizable fight songs in college football.
Question 5: What is the Tennessee Volunteers’ mascot?
Answer 5: The Tennessee Volunteers’ mascot is Smokey. Smokey is a bluetick hound who has been the Volunteers’ mascot since 1953. Smokey is one of the most popular mascots in college football.
Question 6: How can I buy tickets to Tennessee Volunteers football games?
Answer 6: You can buy tickets to Tennessee Volunteers football games online, by phone, or in person at the Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office. You can also find tickets from third-party sellers, but be sure to purchase tickets from a reputable source.
Question 7: What are the Tennessee Volunteers’ chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2022?
Answer 7: The Tennessee Volunteers have a good chance of making the College Football Playoff in 2022. They have a talented roster and a favorable schedule. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to be one of the four teams that make the playoff.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Tennessee Volunteers football team. For more information, please visit the Tennessee Athletics website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for Tennessee Volunteers fans:
Tips
Here are a few tips for Tennessee Volunteers fans to make the most of their gameday experience:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
Neyland Stadium is a big place, and it takes a while to get everyone inside. If you want to get a good seat and avoid the long lines, arrive at the stadium early.
Tip 2: Wear orange.
Orange is the Tennessee Volunteers’ official color, and it is expected that all fans will wear orange on gameday. If you don’t have anything orange to wear, you can purchase Tennessee Volunteers merchandise at the stadium or online.
Tip 3: Be loud and proud.
Neyland Stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in college football. Tennessee Volunteers fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm. Be sure to cheer loud and proud for your team.
Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
It can get very hot in Knoxville, especially in the summer months. Be sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks throughout the game to stay hydrated.
Tip 5: Be respectful.
Tennessee Volunteers fans are known for their hospitality. Be respectful to the opposing team’s fans and players. Remember, we are all here to enjoy a game of football.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can make the most of your Tennessee Volunteers football gameday experience.
So there you have it, all the information you need to know about the Tennessee Volunteers football schedule for 2022. Now that you have all the details, you can start planning your gameday experience.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Volunteers football team is poised for a big season in 2022. They have a talented roster, a favorable schedule, and a lot of experience. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to make a run at the College Football Playoff.
The Volunteers’ season will begin on September 1st against Ball State. They will then face a tough road test against Pittsburgh on September 10th. After a bye week, they will return home to face Akron on September 24th. The Volunteers will then open SEC play on October 1st with a trip to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators.
The Volunteers’ biggest game of the season will come on October 15th when they host their biggest rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Volunteers will also have to face Georgia and Kentucky on the road later in the season.
The Volunteers will need to finish the regular season strong in order to earn a spot in a bowl game. They have a chance to make a statement in 2022, and they are excited to get the season started.
Closing Message: The Tennessee Volunteers football team is ready to make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2022. They have the talent, the experience, and the schedule to make it happen. Vol fans should be excited for the upcoming season.
