As the regular season draws near, Tennessee football has forecasts for the postseason. According to 247 Sports, the Vols will travel to Tampa Bay during bowl season to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Reliaquest Bowl.
Although this forecast may not appear promising at first, it suggests that Tennessee will likely have another strong season but may not make it to the College Football Playoffs.
247 Sports projects Tennessee will win eight to ten games this season based on the performance of SEC schools that have previously participated in the Reliaquest Bowl. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Vols finished 10-2 on their schedule rather than making the playoffs; however, a 9-3 record and a trip to Tampa for the postseason seem more likely.
If the Vols play here during bowl season, they will play a different BigTen team. Though it would surprise me if they won the Citrus Bowl again after just one season, they are expected to play Iowa.
When Tennessee last participated in the Reliaquest Bowl, which was sponsored by Outback and had a blossoming onion on the line in 2015, it was almost ten years ago. That 2015 contest saw the Vols thrash Northwestern 45–6.
With the new CFP format, many teams in the nation—including Tennessee—have to decide between making the playoffs or busting. Although the Vols would not be unwelcome in the Reliaquest Bowl if they were to win nine games this season, coaches, players, supporters, and recruits anticipate a postseason trip as soon as possible.
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