KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The 10th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers have lots to celebrate as they play their final home game of the season. They also have some serious questions to answer.
The Vols (8-2, No. 11 CFP ) can wrap up a second 7-0 slate at Neyland Stadium in three seasons, and a victory Saturday over the UTEP Miners would give them at least nine victories for a third consecutive season under coach Josh Heupel. This program hasn't had such a string of success since winning at least nine games in five straight seasons between 1995 and 1999.
That makes last week's loss to Georgia sting even more, especially with only two games left to impress the College Football Playoff committee. Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas said the Vols can't look ahead. “We feel like we still have a lot to play for this season, so we just have to continue to grow and get better as a team to get where we want to go,” Thomas said.
This Saturday also will be Tennessee's last chance before wrapping up the regular season at Vanderbilt to work out issues on the field. The defensive line once was considered one of the best in the country couldn't get through a Georgia line that gave up five sacks in a loss to Ole Miss the week before. The Vols didn't notch a single sack and hardly a hurry.
Carson Beck picked the Vols apart, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns. “We have to affect the quarterback,” Heupel said. It doesn't help that Tennessee is a big favorite against UTEP (2-8).
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