Tennessee Football Future Changes in SEC Schedule: In the evolving landscape of Southeastern Conference (SEC) football, changes in future schedules are imminent. With the arrival of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024 and the removal of divisional play, annual East rivalries, including Tennessee’s, are coming to an end.
While the 2024 schedule for Tennessee does not feature teams from Columbia, the town associated with recent challenges for the Vols, the format for 2025 and beyond remains uncertain. However, it is anticipated that Tennessee’s annual matchup against Vanderbilt will persist, potentially every November.
For 32 years in the SEC divisional era, Tennessee has faced what is referred to as the “Alabama penalty,” being the only SEC East team playing the Tide every season. Despite the tradition of the “Third Saturday in October,” the Vols’ record against Nick Saban is 1-16, coinciding with their absence from the SEC championship game since 2007.
If the SEC adopts a nine-game future format, ‘Bama is likely to remain an annual fixture for UT, alongside Vandy and a third school, with the other six opponents rotating. In an eight-game format, each school is expected to retain one annual rival and face seven rotating opponents. Alabama’s annual rival will be Auburn.
Vanderbilt is a natural in-state fit for Tennessee, having faced them 116 times, more than against Alabama, Georgia, or Florida. The historical record shows UT’s dominance with a 79-32-5 lead over the Commodores, making them a favorable opponent.
While there’s no certainty in SEC football, facing Vandy offers reasonable chances for success. UT has had a commanding lead in the rivalry, particularly in the past 50 years, where Vandy struggled to go bowl-eligible and faced multiple winless seasons in the SEC.
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Despite a historic period when Vanderbilt had the upper hand, Robert Neyland’s arrival in 1926 changed the trend. In the following decades, UT dominated, winning 27 out of 28 games from 1976 to 2004.
The recent history has been more competitive, with James Franklin and Derek Mason leading Vandy to victories. However, a current four-game win streak by the Vols puts them ahead in the past 11 games.
Looking to the future, Tennessee will likely continue to face Vanderbilt annually, providing opportunities for both teams to extend or break their respective streaks.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What will SEC schedule look like in 2024?
Every SEC team will compete in eight conference football games and face at least one mandatory opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12, or major independent. Additionally, each team will have two open dates. The 2024 season marks the first time since 1991 that the SEC will have a schedule without divisional competition.
What are the new SEC changes for 2024?
In 2024, the SEC is shaking things up by welcoming two Big 12 powerhouses and moving away from its division format. Each current SEC team will face either Oklahoma or Texas, but not both. The top two teams in the conference will compete for the conference title on Dec. 7 in Atlanta.
Who will Tennessee play in 2024?
Tennessee’s 2024 schedule is packed with exciting matchups. On August 31, they’ll take on Chattanooga at home, followed by a game against NC State in Charlotte on September 7. The team will then face off against Kent State at home on September 14, and then hit the road to go up against Oklahoma on September 21. October kicks off with a game against Arkansas on the 5th, followed by a home game against Florida on the 12th, and then a showdown with Alabama on the 19th. The Volunteers will wrap up their season with a game against Kentucky at home on November 2. Go Vols!
What is the SEC 3 6 schedule?
SEC 3+6 scheduling consists of three set rivalry matches and six alternating games. This format eliminates the SEC’s usual Group of Five warm-up games before Rivalry Week, which has sparked debate in the past.