Tennessee (0-0) vs Chattanooga (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:45 pm (Neyland Stadium)
Betting Odds: Tennessee -38.5 / Chattanooga +38.5 --- Over/Under: 56.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Chattanooga Mocs and Tennessee Volunteers meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Neyland Stadium. Here’s a Chattanooga vs Tennessee Prediction. This article will include a Chattanooga vs Tennessee Pick.
Chattanooga Mocs Betting Preview
The Chattanooga Mocs won 8 games last year and enter the sixth year under coach Rusty Wright. Chattanooga enters this season as a top-10 team in FCS play. Chase Artopoeus returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,672 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Sam Phillips and Javin Whatley return as a receiving duo that combined for 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns. Reggie Davis should have a chance to shine in an expanded role at running back after averaging 5 yards per carry on 65 touches last season.
Defensively, Alex Mitchell returns after leading Chattanooga with 78 tackles, Marlon Taylor had 5 sacks and Jordan Walker had 3 interceptions. The Chattanooga Mocs have the same coaching staff and many key players from a year ago. Chattanooga will be in the thick of the playoff conversation all year, and this is a massive test to see just how good the Mocs can truly be.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers have won a combined 20 games in the last two seasons and enter the fourth year under coach Josh Heupel. Nico Iamaleava takes over at quarterback after 45 pass attempts last season for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Vols have an above average receiving corps in Squirrel White, Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II. Notre Dame tight end transfer Holden Staes also joins what has a chance to be a special passing attack. Dylan Sampson should thrive as the star back after averaging 5.7 yards per carry and rushing for 7 touchdowns as a backup.
Defensively, Tennessee lost its top-6 tacklers, but Omari Thomas returned after 35 tackles, James Pearce Jr. led the Vols with 10 sacks and Andre Turrentine had 1 interception. The Tennessee Volunteers have a chance to be one of the more fun offenses in the country, and they have one of the best pass rushers in Pearce. There’s potential with Tennessee, but there are questions on the defense overall, and it’s in a stacked SEC.
Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win
- Tennessee has won each of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
- Tennessee has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at Neyland Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Four of Tennessee's last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tennessee ranked 15th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (18.7).
- Tennessee ranked T15th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.615).
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Prediction
The Tennessee Volunteers are obviously the more talented team and with that offensive firepower could blow the doors off in this season opener. However, the Chattanooga Mocs are a top-10 FCS team and will enter this game expecting to compete. Chattanooga has a proven quarterback, a solid receiving duo and a defense that has playmakers. Also, Tennessee has NC State on deck next week, so there could be a bit of a look-ahead factor for the home team. The Chattanooga Mocs will certainly be the more motivated side, as they don't get these sorts of looks often. Give me the Mocs and the boatload of points.
Randy’s Pick Chattanooga Mocs +38.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
