| Date | Opponent | Prediction |
| 09/01 | at 
|
Last year's beatdown on Rocky Top (SECRULZPAC10DRUULZ111!) effectively ended Cal's "dark horse title contender" status while bestowing that same status on UT. Cal went on to post a 10-3 record, but loses workhorse running back Marshawn Lynch and returns only five starters on defense (their top three tacklers NOT included). But they do return a starting QB and their top 3 receivers against a weak secondary, so this could be a shoot out. I'm going with the Vols, if only because Cal will be breaking in a new O-Line and the Vols should be able to run the ball better. 1-0. |
| 09/08 | vs 
|
God bless those plucky Golden Eagles. Picked by most to win the East in C-USA, Southern returns 8 starters on D and a loaded backfield after posting a 9-5 record last year. They'll give the Vols fits, but won't be able to pull the upset. 2-0 |
| 09/15 | at 
|
After winning the MNC last year, Florida is due for disappointing 8 or 9 win season while rebuilding a stellar defense. If the Vols can do anything on the ground this year, they should come out on top. 3-0 |
| 09/22 | vs 
|
Cupcake Sun Belt team=Victory for UT. 4-0. |
| 10/06 | vs 
|
This is the game that will decide the east this year. After embarassing the Dawgs on a Spurrian level last year, UGA will look to get some revenge with a more experienced team. Their depth in the secondary could shut UT's offense completely down giving UGA the edge. 4-1. |
| 10/13 | at 
|
State replaces LSU in the rotation this year, giving the Vols a much easier Western Division slate than the last few years. Give this one to UT, 5-1. |
| 10/20 | at 
|
Had our own beloved Tide displayed any offensive prowess last year we would have won in Knoxville, but instead we'll have to settle for another win in T-Town. 5-2. |
| 10/27 | vs 
|
Spurrier loves to beat Phil, and this year he's got the players in place to do it. Another swing game for control of the East, but I think the Vols win in a shoot out. 6-2. |
| 11/03 | vs 
|
See "vs Arkansas State." 7-2. |
| 11/10 | vs 
|
If the Vols run D can contain McFadden this season, and Ainge isn't out with health issues, this should be a no contest win for the Vols. 8-2. |
| 11/17 | vs 
|
I gave this one to Vandy last week on the belief that the Vol secondary won't be able to contain Earl Bennett. I'm still out on that limb. 8-3. |
| 11/24 | at 
|
UK was a surprise for everyone last season, and the 'Cats always give UT a fight, but the Vols get their 23rd straight. 9-3, and a possible trip to Atlanta. |
There you have it, a 9-3 call for the regular season, and a possible trip to the SEC Title Game. The East is stacked from top to bottom, but I think it's a two horse race between UT and UGA, with the team that can get past their trap games and beat the other earning the trip to Atlanta. We'll have some responses from Rocky Top Talk up Monday, and then start in on a very cursory glance at South Carolina (we don't play them, so who cares?).