While most of us agree Tennessee should pull this one out with ease. This game will still be interesting to watch. It's the first look at the team in a real game environment. Chattanooga is no slouch of an opponent as they sit as the 8th-ranked FCS team in the nation. The Mocs have a ton of in-game experience all over the field, which will make a great week one test, so the Vols can find their identity as a team.

Prediction:

52 – 9 Tennessee

What to expect:

While the Mocs are a good team for the FCS, Tennessee should win very comfortably. The team will look to win big, setting the tone for the season. Our strategy on the offensive is to establish itself early and often in the run game, so I expect the Vols to break the threshold of at least 200 yards on the ground. I also hope to see a big day from the front 7.

Nico will start it off for the Vols at Quarterback, looking to get the job done, but I wouldn’t expect them to do much with him as the Vols want to keep him healthy going into a huge week 2 matchup versus 24th-ranked NC State Wolfpack. I expect this across the board, as the staff has lost some key pieces in the past in games like this. Even though a blowout is expected you can look to the position battles to excite you, as well as the young talent that will make this roster fun to watch for years to come

Position Battles to watch:

Safety – The Vols have one Safety spot nailed down with Andre Turrentine, who had a solid season for the Vols last year. When the depth chart was released earlier this week, fans were surprised to see former Walk-on Will Brooks Ahead of Transfer Junior Jakobe Thomas. With this being game one I expect to see both of those dudes frequently, as they will be battling it out for a starting spot come week 2.

STAR – A few weeks ago the team got horrible news that presumed Starter Jourdan Thomas will be out for the season with a Knee injury. With this news, Tennessee turned to a few young guys that look to step up. This includes Christian Harrison, son of former NFL player and 2x all-pro Safety Rodney Harrison, and True Freshman do-it-all athlete Boo Carter who made waves throughout spring practice and fall camp. The STAR position plays a big role in Tennessee’s defensive scheme, and it will be something to watch, as both guys are young and hungry.

Left Guard – Not an exciting position, but a crucial one, nonetheless. We have a 3-man battle here for that last spot on the left side of the line, as Andrej Karic, Jackson Lampley, and Shamurad Umarov will all be fighting for a spot to ensure up an offensive line that has a lot of potential in the 2024 season.

Running Back Rotation – Tennessee has a very young and inexperienced Running Back room. Dylan Sampson and Cameron Seldon look to take the backfield this year, but some exciting young talent in that room will see some reps this season. Tennessee will lean heavily on the run in this game, but also sparing Seldon, And Sampson, pulling them both early. Look to DeSean Bishop, Khalifa Keith, and Peyton Lewis to all play a role in this one. In a game Tennessee looks to control, I expect the young guys should step in and run all over the Mocs

TE – Tight End will be a fun one to watch not only this game, but throughout the season, as the Vols have three guys that should see reps in Ethan Davis, Holden Staes, And Miles Kittselman. All three have been getting love from the coaching staff, but only one can start. We should see all three play crucial roles all season in the passing game, as well as the run game.