NEED TO KNOW
Non-Conference Win Streak at 13
The Volunteers have won 13 consecutive non-conference games entering Saturday's contest against the Miners. UT's 13 straight victories against non-SEC foes is its longest streak since winning 27 in a row from 1969-73. The last time that Tennessee was beaten by a non-conference opponent was the 2021 Music City Bowl against Purdue. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols boast an impressive 16-2 overall record in non-conference play and has outscored those opponents 894-246.
Ground and Pound
As has become the norm under Heupel, the Vols have been one of the nation's best rushing teams this season. Tennessee ranks 10th in the FBS in total rushing yards (2,262) and rushing yards per game (226.2). UT has reached the 2,000-yard mark on the ground in all four seasons under Heupel and were the first SEC team to hit 2,000 yards for the second straight year.
Doak Walker Award semifinalist Dylan Sampson has been the driving force behind the Vols' impressive ground attack, leading the SEC and ranking sixth nationally with 1,239 rushing yards this season. The junior running back has rushed for 100-plus yards in nine of the team's 10 games this season and has scored a program record 21 rushing touchdowns.
The Neyland Effect
Neyland Stadium is once again one of the nation's most electric environments and toughest places to play for visiting teams. Over the past two seasons, the Vols are 19-1 inside of its confines, outscoring opponents 888-346. In the Josh Heupel era (since 2021), UT is 24-4 at home and has outscored its opponents 2,109-507 with 19 of those wins coming by double digits. Tennessee's 19 home wins since the start of the 2022 season are tied for third in the nation.
Neyland Stadium will be sold out for 20th consecutive game on Saturday. UT has ranked in the top five nationally in attendance in each of the last two seasons, ranking No. 3 in total attendance (713,405) and No. 4 in average attendance (101,915) while leading the SEC in attendance in 2023.
Vols in the CFP Rankings
Despite a loss on the road at then No. 12 ranked Georgia last weekend, Tennessee dropped just four spots in this week's College Football Playoff rankings, falling to No. 11. While they are currently the first team out of the bracket, the Vols are still firmly in the mix for a spot in this year's expanded 12-team playoff.
