The Tennessee Volunteers made a national statement Saturday night with their overwhelming 51-10 victory over NC State in Charlotte, North Carolina. Combining a fierce defensive front with a well-balanced offensive attack, the Vols caught the attention of both poll voters and analysts, surging from No. 14 to No. 7 in the latest AP poll.
ESPN college football studio host Matt Barrie is one of those now bullish on Tennessee’s potential. During his show on Sunday, Barrie was enthusiastic about the Vols’ chances of not only competing for the SEC championship but also making a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff.
“I believe they’re going to go into the Alabama game 6-0,” Barrie predicted. “Tennessee has the opportunity to be that team in the SEC we thought would be good, but maybe didn’t know how good. Georgia, we know. Alabama is always strong. LSU has been surprising. But Tennessee could be the one that disrupts it all.”
Barrie highlighted the October 19 matchup against Alabama as the true litmus test for the Vols. “That’s when we’ll really see what Tennessee is all about,” he said. “We could be talking about the Volunteers not just as SEC championship contenders, but as College Football Playoff contenders.”
Barrie’s assessment is hard to argue with, given Tennessee’s dominant on-field results. Since Nico Iamaleava took over as starting quarterback before last season’s Citrus Bowl, the Vols have outscored their opponents 155-13, including wins over two ranked teams. Their defense also appears more formidable, with physical play that’s setting them apart as SEC competition heats up.
While Barrie’s predictions are optimistic, Tennessee still faces significant challenges ahead. Road trips to Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as a tough home game against Florida, will test their mettle. But if the Vols play up to their potential—something they may not have fully reached even in the blowout against NC State—then Barrie’s forecast could very well come true.
A victory over Alabama in October would be a statement that Tennessee has arrived as a powerhouse under head coach Josh Heupel. Heading into the Fourth Saturday in October, the Vols will have a chance to prove they’re on a new level, competing for more than just respect, but SEC and playoff glory.