Tennessee football schedule 2022: Way-too-early game-by-game picks for Vols

After an exciting first season with Josh Heupel leading the Tennessee football program, what can the Vols expect in 2022?

The Josh Heupel era of Tennessee football is off to a solid start. Tennessee got to go back to a bowl game and even though it ended up in a loss, this team appears to be making some solid progress under its new head coach. Things aren’t perfect by any means, but an exciting offense is always fun to root for.

So, what can Tennessee football fans expect for next season? What will next year hold for the Vols?

Tennessee should take some significant steps forward this season, but don’t expect them to be immune to growing pains. Progress and improvement isn’t always observable in a linear, week-to-week fashion.

Tennessee football: Way-too-early 2022 predictions for Josh Heupel, Tennessee Vols

• Sept. 3 vs. Ball State: W
• Sept. 10 at Pittsburgh: W
• Sept. 17 vs. Arkon: W
• Sept. 24 vs. Florida: L
• Oct. 8 at LSU: L
• Oct. 15 vs. Alabama: L
• Oct. 22 vs. Tennessee-Martin: W
• Oct. 29 vs. Kentucky: W
• Nov. 5 at Georgia: W
• Nov. 12 vs. Missouri: W
• Nov. 19 at South Carolina: L
• Nov. 26 at Vanderbilt: W

2022 way-too-early prediction: 8-4

This program is still learning and moving forward with a new culture and an offense that will likely see some ups and downs, even though this isn’t year one anymore.

All that said, the Vols should be able to punch above their weight and because of that, upsets will be possible. Early games against the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers are ripe opportunities to shock some folks.

But, even if they don’t get a big win there, the Vols will have some chances later on.

Late road games to the Georgia Bulldogs and South Carolina Gamecocks could potentially be tricky. If the Vols are focused and this offense progresses the way it should, Tennessee should be able to compete at a high level in both of those contests.

The Vols get the benefit of playing Georgia right after the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. If Georgia isn’t paying attention, this could be a perfect trap game opportunity for the Bulldogs and a great chance to get a landmark win for Heupel and his staff.

Tennessee fans will need to remember to be patient at times this year. Don’t expect the Vols to be back on top of the college football scene. It’s been a few years since they’ve been a force nationally.

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