Tennessee football season preview 2020: Record predictions, depth chart analysis, breakout players

Tennessee football schedule game-by-game predictions

Expectations are high in Knoxville this season. Pruitt has recruited well since he’s been the head coach, and their talent depth is beginning to take shape. However, the Vols still have to figure out the quarterback position, and their schedule is demanding.

They might show some improvement, but it might not show up in the win column this season.

Sept. 26: at South Carolina: The Volunteers begin their truncated season with a road game against the Gamecocks. This one will not see many points scored. This game comes down to which team has better quarterback play. Though South Carolina quarterback Tyler Hilinski is learning a new offense, he’s to be trusted more that whoever plays quarterback for Tennessee. Loss 14-10

Oct. 3: Missouri: Continuity is a huge factor this season. It’s pretty much a zero year if you are bringing in a new staff. That is what Missouri is doing. They are starting a new quarterback with the new coaching staff. The Volunteers break into the win column here.  Win 21-10

Oct. 10: at Georgia: The fact that it would be no surprise if the Volunteers got absolutely boat raced in this game is no indictment on them; it is a testament to how well Kirby Smart and his staff have recruited in contrast to the rest of the SEC East. The Vols keep it close for a half…maybe.  Loss 38-13

Oct. 17: Kentucky: Despite the return of Terry Wilson for the Wildcats, there won’t be many points scored in this game either. The Volunteer run defense will be tested in this game. Kentucky has one of the best offensive lines in the SEC and possibly a top-15 O-Line in all of college football. Tennesse struggles to score points here again. Loss 21-14

Oct. 24: Alabama: Inconsistent quarterback play plagued the Volunteers last season, and it will plague them again this season. Expect Pruitt and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney to play all three quarterbacks this season. This is another game where Tennessee is outclassed. Loss 41-20

Oct. 31: OPEN

Nov. 7: at Arkansas: The Volunteers get a reprieve here. Much like Missouri, the Arkansas Razorbacks are breaking in an entirely new coaching staff with Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks do have some veteran transfers on both offense and defense. The Volunteers had better be ready to play, but they should come away with the win here. Win 21-10

Nov. 14: Texas A&M: The Volunteers find themselves once again playing against a team that simply has better players. Kellen Mond won’t be atop many postseason watch lists, but he is still better than any of the quarterbacks the Volunteers have. The defense, however, will keep them in the game. Loss 20-13

Nov. 21: at Auburn: This is the Volunteers’ only legitimate 50/50 game this season. The Tigers suffered lots of attrition on their defense in the offseason. They needed spring and summer to help acclimate new talent on the defensive side of the ball. Also, Chad Morris takes over the offense this season. The Vols upset the Tigers on the plains. Win 20-17

Nov. 28: at Vanderbilt: Fortunately for the Vols, their in-state rival is one of the worst programs in FBS. The Commodores lost their best offensive players, and the offense was dreadful last season. The Vols win easily. Win 35-3

Dec. 5: Florida: The Volunteers end the regular season hosting the Gators. Despite losing two of the leading receivers from last season, the offensive line is a year more experienced, and the running game should be good. Also, Florida’s defense looks good. Loss 27-14

Prediction: 4-6

It is difficult to get behind the Volunteers this season. Although the defense is going to keep them in most games this season, they are not good enough offensively to threaten the better teams in the SEC. They might show improvement, but the quarterback that changes things in Knoxville might not be on the roster.