The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams, widening the postseason path for teams like Tennessee.
The Vols would’ve made a 12-team playoff in 2022. They would’ve missed it by two wins in 2023.
Neither an unbeaten record nor a conference title will be needed to make the CFP. An SEC team with a 10-2 record or better will be in contention. That means there’s a wider margin for error than any previous season.
And small improvements can add up to make the difference between a Citrus Bowl one season and a playoff appearance the next.
Here are six positions where Tennessee must upgrade from 2023 to 2024 to make the CFP.
Quarterback
Why it wasn’t CFP worthy: Joe Milton was more of a game manager than a difference maker. He operated the offense and limited mistakes, tossing only five interceptions in 12 starts. His best games were in wins over Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Those high points were emblematic of UT’s ceiling in 2023.
Who must make it better: Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star prospect, must limit mistakes like Milton but make plays like the SEC’s best quarterbacks. That’s a challenging combo for an inexperienced albeit talented quarterback. His Citrus Bowl MVP performance hints that it’s possible. But he’ll be asked to make big plays against NC State, Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama and Georgia to get into CFP race.
Wide receiver
Why it wasn’t CFP worthy: Opponents didn’t fear any UT wide receivers. Squirrel White came the closest. But he’s more effective as a complementary receiver rather than the No. 1 target. And Bru McCoy, a physical sure-handed receiver, was lost early to a season-ending injury.
Who must make it better: Any receiver who can take the top off the defense as a deep threat to help White and McCoy. Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell was added with that hope. Maybe Dont’e…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/does-tennessee-2024-college-football-100813034.html
Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-01-16 10:08:13
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