Tennessee Volunteers’ Two Biggest Questions for This Season

The top two questions facing Tennessee as they head into the 2024 college football season.

The two biggest questions for Tennessee as they head into the 2024 college football season:

With the 2024 college football season just over a month away, and fall camps about to begin for programs nationwide, some uncertainties still linger. The Tennessee Volunteers are poised for an exciting season, bolstered by several returning key starters and the introduction of Nico Iamaleava as the new starting quarterback.

 

However, the Volunteers face a few significant questions. If Tennessee can resolve these two major issues before their conference games begin, they will be well-positioned to contend for a spot in the 2024 college football playoff.

1. Does Nico Iamaleava Get the Ball Rolling Early?

Tennessee has a favorable opening schedule to facilitate this, but any new starting quarterback will inevitably face challenges during the season, particularly in the SEC. If Iamaleava can address all the issues before the team heads to Oklahoma, it would be ideal for the Volunteers. The opening games against Chattanooga, NC State, and Kent State provide an excellent start to the season.

Chattanooga and Kent State offer Iamaleava and the offense a chance to find their footing, while NC State presents an opportunity to build momentum. If Tennessee can establish consistency in the first three weeks, their offense will pose a significant challenge for conference opponents, which is crucial for head coach Josh Heupel to have a successful season.

2. Can James Pearce Jr. and the Defensive Line Make up for Secondary Losses?

The Volunteers lost several players from their secondary this offseason, a group that ranked 64th in passing defense last season. A key strategy to compensate for weaknesses in the secondary is to pressure the quarterback, and Tennessee seems capable of achieving that this season. James Pearce Jr. doesn’t have to shoulder the burden alone, as his presence will likely attract attention from offensive lines, creating opportunities for other front six players to pressure the quarterback. If Tennessee succeeds in this, concerns about their secondary will be less significant.