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Tennessee Football's best-case scenario with 2024 schedule

Tennessee boasted a College Football Playoff-caliber team just two years ago, but it was in the wrong format and the wrong season.

The 2022 Vols would have hosted Kansas State in a first-round playoff game if the roster had already expanded to 12 teams.

So breaking into the CFP this season isn't a pipe dream. It could happen, and here's how.

The best scenario for Tennessee football in 2024?

Vols host College Football Playoff game

In a 12-team playoff, the four highest-seeded conference champions receive a first-round bye. The next four seeds host the four lowest-seeded teams in the first round.

UT could host a first-round game at Neyland Stadium as the second-best or perhaps third-best team in the SEC. That would mean an 11-1 record and likely a spot in the SEC title game, or maybe a 10-2 record.

If the Vols beat NC State, split games against Oklahoma and Alabama, and lose to Georgia, a playoff berth would likely be within reach. Whether that means a home game depends on the performance of the other playoff teams.

TENNESSEE SEASON PREDICTIONS 2024 Vols Game-by-Game Tips

Defeat Alabama again at Neyland Stadium

UT had already shown that it could reverse Nick Saban's curse with its victory against Alabama in 2022, which sparked an unforgettable fan storm at Neyland Stadium.

Why couldn't the Vols beat an Alabama team coached by Kalen DeBoer?

There could be an exciting duel on the third Saturday in October.

Until then, Alabama will be favored in every game except their home game against Georgia, so the Crimson Tide could be 5-1 or 6-0 and ranked in the top 10 when they travel to Knoxville.

A win over Alabama would be even better for the Vols.

Double Heisman enthusiasm, albeit only for a short time

UT quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been a contender for the Heisman Trophy in the preseason, despite starting just one game as a freshman last season.

And UT edge rusher James Pearce was named the best player in college football by ESPN.com.

Don't plan on either of them attending the ceremony in New York just yet. However, there is a plausible scenario in which both players will be considered for the Heisman nomination during the season, albeit briefly.

If UT's offense returns to its record-setting performance of 2021 and 2022, Iamaleava would put up eye-popping stats. And while defensive players rarely get Heisman attention, Pearce could temporarily steal the spotlight with multiple sacks in UT's key games.

Adam Sparks is Tennessee's football reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparksSupport strong local journalism by subscribing to knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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