– Last Updated on July 27, 2019 8:11 am
2019 Football Preview – South Eastern Conference – Tennessee Volunteers
Looking for 2019 Tennessee Volunteers predictions? The Volunteers began year one of an unexpected rebuild by posting top-tier wins and frequent setbacks while just missing bowl eligibility.
During another down campaign Tennessee’s prime moments came via upset victories over nationally ranked Auburn and Kentucky -the Wildcats held the #12 spot before the Vols struck, 24-7 on Nov. 10. Unfortunately, however, Tennessee failed to capitalize on the momentum gained and closed its ledger with consecutive blowout losses vs. Missouri and Vanderbilt.
These bookend L’s extended UT’s two year postseason absence.
NCAA Football Gambling Lines
2019-College Football Preview – Tennessee Volunteers
Head Coach: Jeremey Pruitt
2018 Record: 5-7
Tennessee Volunteers Odds to win the 2019 FBS Championship: +1000
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For Today
***More 2019 NCAA Football Team Season Previews***
Volunteer nation does not suffer mediocrity for long and will press this season’s bunch for winning results after landing a top-15 recruiting class.
2019 Tennessee Volunteers Predictions: Team Strengths
Recruiting Class: After failing to seal holes around return starting QB Jarrett Guarantano (62.2 completion rate, 1907 passing yards, 12 TD, 3 INT 2018) up front last season, Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt brought in five star offensive linemen Darnell Wright and Wanya Morris.
While Wright and Morris will mix with returning linemen in an attempt to unlock UT’s offensive potential, several four star recruits join the school’s rookie class labeled 12th overall nationally by Rivals.
Coveted four star ILB’s Henry T’oto’o and Quavaris Crouch round out Tennessee’s top 100 signees and add further depth to an already deep line backing corps.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Boasting four impact freshmen, the Volunteer game plan is to become stronger up front on both sides in hopes of navigating the deep SEC waters. A bowl game return & winning record sit atop Tennessee’s 2019 priorities.
Secondary: Sophomore Freshman All American DB Bryce Thompson leads the Vols’ secondary after registering three interceptions, 32 tackles and one sack last season. Rising Senior Nigel Warrior also returns this year after adding 64 tackles in 2018.
Finally, incoming Safeties Jaylen McCollough and Tyus Fields join incumbent secondary starters Baylen Buchanan and Alontae Taylor to harass pass-happy SEC squads this Autumn.
The Volunteers ceded 222 passing yards a season ago. With a mixture of youth and experience, Tennessee will again hold its own in the aerial wars.
2019 Tennessee Volunteers Predictions: Team Weaknesses
Defensive Line: Tennessee’s current defensive line bled experience after the Vols lost four starters from last season’s core group.
If opposing SEC offensive lines can push UT around, opening running lanes in a defense which allowed 155 rushing yards per game last season, the conference wars could again be disappointing.
All hopes of plugging this massive hole fall upon returning starter Emmit Gooden and top recruit Savion Williams, along with freshmen Elijah Simmons and Darel Middleton.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Offensive Line: Tennessee’s prized OL recruits plausibly address the team’s greatest need: quarterback protection. And while the importance of newcomers Wright and Morris cannot be understated, until live game proven, especially in the Southeastern Conference, the UT o-line will remain a crucial weakness ahead of the upcoming season.
Tennessee Volunteers Prediction: 6-6
Claiming two signature wins last year and acquiring a respectable recruiting class this offseason, as key starters return, bodes well for phase two of UT’s rebuild. Further, if the matriculating class satisfies billing, Tennessee’s QB protection issues should become minimal. And an offense led by a confident, calculating Jarrett Guarantano could surprise and rank among the nation’s best.
Schedule wise the Vols won’t see as many heavy hitters in 2019. Moreso, with four of last year’s top receivers and 2018 leading rusher Ty Chandler back, the Vols will take advantage of a relaxed non-conference schedule.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Ultimately, through gradual improvement, UT will earn enough hard fought SEC wins to finish at .500 and go bowling in December.
2019 Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule
Date Time vs
- 8/31/19 12:00 PM ET TOL
- 9/7/19 TBD EMU
- 9/14/19 TBD FLA
- 9/21/19 TBD @MSST
- 9/28/19 TBD @SOCAR
- 10/12/19 TBD ARK
- 10/19/19 TBD @UGA
- 10/26/19 TBD MIZZ
- 11/9/19 TBD TENN
- 11/16/19 TBD @VAN
- 11/23/19 TBD UTM
- 11/30/19 TBD LOU
What do you think about our 2019 Tennessee Volunteers predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2019!
The 2019 College futures betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on NCAA football, you are in the best possible place for online betting. CappersPicks.com has NCAAF odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find College football lines up for early games as well.
Check out our Updated College Football Betting Odds.