Even without Vols' Help, SEC Leading by Example in Week 1

[VFL-82-JP]

Tennessee doesn't join the out-of-conference Power 5 versus Power 5 (OOC P5vP5) conversation until week 2 when we meet Virginia Tech at the Battle of Bristol. Nevertheless, even without our help, the SEC is leading the nation in hard-hitting P5-v-P5 football games in week 1.

SEC plays seven (7) OOC P5 opponents this week, from UCLA and USC out west to UNC, Clemson and FSU on the east coast, plus Wisconsin and West Virginia in between. As a matter of fact, the SEC is the only conference that faces opponents from all four of the other P5 in a single weekend. Outside of bowl season, that may be true for the entire season (I'm too lazy to look).

The PAC comes close, with six (6) OOC P5 foes this weekend. They play Minnesota and Rutgers from the B10, Kansas State from the B12, A&M and Bama from the SEC, and Independent BYU. They lack only an ACC opponent.

The other P5 conferences each have three (3) OOC games against P5 peers.

So we can thank our very own conference, along with the PAC, for the fact that there are so many compelling (and potentially disruptive) games this weekend. Of more direct importance to the Vols, this weekend could shake up some of the Top 10 positions, allowing us to move up a bit.

Looking forward to a lot of games, none more than the Thursday night one vs. App State.

Go Vols!

 

[eskimovol]

Honestly, I'm pulling against the SEC in every single one of those games except Auburn vs Clemson.

 

[Hacksaw]

For many years fans of other conferences would (rightfully) point out that most SEC teams didn't play tough OOC opponents (Tennessee being a notable exception to the rule). SEC fans countered that our in-conference schedules were still tougher, even without booking quality OOC games.

Well, now the fans of those other conferences will get their wish. I hope they just remember they asked for it.

 

[Hacksaw]

Honestly, I'm pulling against the SEC in every single one of those games except Auburn vs Clemson.

You want the Vols to be the champions of a weak conference? Because that's the argument that will be made by the other conferences when deciding who gets into the playoff.