What went wrong at Georgia? How can Tennessee still make the College Football Playoff? And why did Josh Heupel try to hand me the microphone to complain about the officials during his postgame press conference?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams tell you what needs to happen for the Vols to get into the playoff and give you the odds of each of those things happening. It involves UT fans rooting for Hugh Freeze and against Lane Kiffin.Plus, our Georgia game recap asks if Nico Iamaleava is getting enough help and if Heupel should rant publicly against the refs.

What went wrong at Georgia? How can Tennessee still make the College Football Playoff? And why did Josh Heupel try to hand me the microphone to complain about the officials during his postgame press conference?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams tell you what needs to happen for the Vols to get into the playoff and give you the odds of each of those things happening. It involves UT fans rooting for Hugh Freeze and against Lane Kiffin.Plus, our Georgia game recap asks if Nico Iamaleava is getting enough help and if Heupel should rant publicly against the refs.

These teams could help Tennessee get into College Football Playoff

Is Georgia reeling, or is Tennessee walking into an ambush in Athens? And how will Nico Iamaleava’s injury status impact the biggest game of the Vols’ season?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the Tennessee-Georgia game and all the extra storylines that go with it.Will Nico play? Is Georgia in disarray? Are the Bulldogs good enough to play great once more for Kirby Smart? And what’s the fallout in the playoff picture if the Vols lose?

Is Georgia reeling, or is Tennessee walking into an ambush in Athens? And how will Nico Iamaleava’s injury status impact the biggest game of the Vols’ season?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the Tennessee-Georgia game and all the extra storylines that go with it.Will Nico play? Is Georgia in disarray? Are the Bulldogs good enough to play great once more for Kirby Smart? And what’s the fallout in the playoff picture if the Vols lose?

Is Tennessee headed for Georgia ambush with Nico Iamaleava injury or big win?

The College Football Playoff selection committee told us what it thinks of Tennessee’s resume – both good and bad. Will the good get better or the bad get worse down the stretch as the Vols try to make the bracket?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the first CFP poll, where Tennessee ranks and most importantly what the committee said about the Vols’ resume.Plus, is it time to accept this UT offense for what it is – flawed? Or could freshman receiver Mike Matthews be a solution?

The College Football Playoff selection committee told us what it thinks of Tennessee’s resume – both good and bad. Will the good get better or the bad get worse down the stretch as the Vols try to make the bracket?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the first CFP poll, where Tennessee ranks and most importantly what the committee said about the Vols’ resume.Plus, is it time to accept this UT offense for what it is – flawed? Or could freshman receiver Mike Matthews be a solution?

CFP selection committee likes Tennessee football. Will it last?

Tennessee is in a logjam with several teams for College Football Playoff spots just as the first CFP ranking is set for release.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams lay out which teams UT fans should root against in key games this weekend in order to clear a playoff path for the Vols.It starts in the SEC. But Tennessee needs to keep an eye on Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC teams that are jockeying for position.Plus, will we remember Nico’s November? The last month of the season sets up well for Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense to kick into a higher gear. There’s certainly no time like the present as a struggling Kentucky team comes to Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee is in a logjam with several teams for College Football Playoff spots just as the first CFP ranking is set for release.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams lay out which teams UT fans should root against in key games this weekend in order to clear a playoff path for the Vols.It starts in the SEC. But Tennessee needs to keep an eye on Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC teams that are jockeying for position.Plus, will we remember Nico’s November? The last month of the season sets up well for Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense to kick into a higher gear. There’s certainly no time like the present as a struggling Kentucky team comes to Neyland Stadium.

Here’s who Tennessee fans should root against in College Football Playoff race

Tennessee beat Alabama with a lockdown defense, a late-arriving offense and … fake crowd noise? It sounds too far-fetched to discuss, but let’s give it a try.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams talk about that strange allegation of piped-in crowd noise at Neyland Stadium and the game that produced it.Plus, Tennessee is sitting pretty in the College Football Playoff picture. But there are still teams that could leapfrog the Vols down the stretch.Vol fans, don’t panic. This is for educational purposes only during the open week. But we’re going to break down the 5 SEC teams that could jump past UT in the race toward the playoff. And, yes, that includes … Alabama.

Tennessee beat Alabama with a lockdown defense, a late-arriving offense and … fake crowd noise? It sounds too far-fetched to discuss, but let’s give it a try.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams talk about that strange allegation of piped-in crowd noise at Neyland Stadium and the game that produced it.Plus, Tennessee is sitting pretty in the College Football Playoff picture. But there are still teams that could leapfrog the Vols down the stretch.Vol fans, don’t panic. This is for educational purposes only during the open week. But we’re going to break down the 5 SEC teams that could jump past UT in the race toward the playoff. And, yes, that includes … Alabama.

These five SEC teams could threaten Tennessee football’s playoff bid

With half the SEC battling for College Football Playoff spots, Tennessee and Alabama face a potential elimination game on the Third Saturday in October.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams set the stakes for Saturday’s rivalry between the Vols and Crimson Tide.Tennessee’s defense is hot, but its offense is ice cold. That combination usually wouldn’t be enough to knock off the mighty Crimson Tide. But this Alabama team is flawed – perhaps just as flawed as Tennessee.On Saturday, the rivals will search for their identity and a path to the playoff. But only one will find it in Neyland Stadium. So let’s talk about it.Other topics: How can play-calling help Nico Iamaleava? Does Alabama have more problems than Tennessee?

With half the SEC battling for College Football Playoff spots, Tennessee and Alabama face a potential elimination game on the Third Saturday in October.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams set the stakes for Saturday’s rivalry between the Vols and Crimson Tide.Tennessee’s defense is hot, but its offense is ice cold. That combination usually wouldn’t be enough to knock off the mighty Crimson Tide. But this Alabama team is flawed – perhaps just as flawed as Tennessee.On Saturday, the rivals will search for their identity and a path to the playoff. But only one will find it in Neyland Stadium. So let’s talk about it.Other topics: How can play-calling help Nico Iamaleava? Does Alabama have more problems than Tennessee?

Is Tennessee football facing playoff elimination game against Alabama?

Does Tennessee’s offense have a seasonal cold or an incurable disease? Either way, the Big Orange looked very pale in a dreadful 19-14 loss at Arkansas.Nico Iamaleava looked bad. His offensive line looked worse. And coaches didn’t seem to have a solution for their struggles.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams are going to try to diagnose the Vols’ illness and determine whether there’s a cure before the Florida game.

Does Tennessee’s offense have a seasonal cold or an incurable disease? Either way, the Big Orange looked very pale in a dreadful 19-14 loss at Arkansas.Nico Iamaleava looked bad. His offensive line looked worse. And coaches didn’t seem to have a solution for their struggles.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams are going to try to diagnose the Vols’ illness and determine whether there’s a cure before the Florida game.

Here’s what is wrong with Tennessee offense and why it matters vs Florida

After three years of Tennessee fans wanting to run Tim Banks out of town, he’s got the No. 1 defense in college football.

After three years of Tennessee fans wanting to run Tim Banks out of town, he’s got the No. 1 defense in college football.

How Tim Banks turned Tennessee football fans from critics to staunch supporters

Tennessee football played like a complete team against Oklahoma. 

Was it Josh Heupel's most impressive victory as Tennessee's coach? No. But, more so than any other game, it showed that the Vols can win with defense. And wins like that will be needed as Tennessee aims to advance from being a good program to becoming a national championship contender.

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams weigh in on Tennessee's national championship potential.

They also push back on the argument that Heupel coached too conservatively against Oklahoma. 

And, they engage with a doomsday scenario that could keep Tennessee out of the playoff if the Vols finish 10-2.

Tennessee football played like <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2024/09/22/tennessee-football-score-oklahoma-sooners-josh-heupel/75244675007/" aria-label="Link a complete team">a complete team</a> against Oklahoma. 
Was it Josh Heupel's most impressive victory as Tennessee's coach? No. But, more so than any other game, it showed that the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2024/09/21/tennessee-josh-heupel-oklahoma/75244673007/" aria-label="Link Vols can win with defense">Vols can win with defense</a>. And wins like that will be needed as Tennessee aims to advance from being a good program to becoming a national championship contender.
On today's episode, hosts <a href="https://x.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a>, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSparks" aria-label="Link Adam Sparks">Adam Sparks</a> and <a href="https://x.com/johnadamskns" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> weigh in on Tennessee's national championship potential.
They also push back on the argument that Heupel coached too conservatively against Oklahoma. 
And, they engage with a doomsday scenario that could keep Tennessee out of the playoff if the Vols finish 10-2.

Why we're taking Tennessee football seriously as a national championship contender

Tennessee football roars, and its ticket prices soar. First up, the roaring.

Tennessee will play a pivotal game at Oklahoma on Saturday in the Sooners’ first SEC game, while Josh Heupel returns to Norman after a celebrated Sooners career.

On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols’ clash with Oklahoma before debating Tennessee’s decision to hike ticket prices in 2025 to combat new expenses.

Is this a make-or-break game for the Vols’ playoff hopes? Well, it’s more make than break. Considering the opponents that remain on Tennessee’s schedule, the Vols would be well-positioned for a playoff resume if they beat the Sooners.

If they lose in Norman, that doesn’t wreck Tennessee’s playoff chances, but it would need to at least split with Alabama and Georgia.

Later in the episode, an examination of why Tennessee will raise ticket prices next year, as a way to offset expected revenue-sharing costs that are around the bend.

<a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2024/09/17/nico-iamaleava-tennessee-football-road-games-oklahoma-stadium-josh-heupel/75172975007/" aria-label="Link Tennessee football roars">Tennessee football roars</a>, and its ticket prices soar. First up, the roaring.
Tennessee will play a pivotal game at Oklahoma on Saturday in the Sooners’ first SEC game, while Josh Heupel returns to Norman after a celebrated Sooners career.
On today’s episode, hosts <a href="https://x.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a>, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSparks" aria-label="Link Adam Sparks">Adam Sparks</a> and <a href="https://x.com/johnadamskns" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> examine the Vols’ clash with Oklahoma before debating Tennessee’s decision to hike ticket prices in 2025 to combat new expenses.
Is this a make-or-break game for the Vols’ playoff hopes? Well, it’s more make than break. Considering the opponents that remain on Tennessee’s schedule, the Vols would be well-positioned for a playoff resume if they beat the Sooners.
If they lose in Norman, that doesn’t wreck Tennessee’s playoff chances, but it would need to at least split with Alabama and Georgia.
Later in the episode, an examination of why <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/columnists/university-of-tennessee/john-adams/2024/09/17/tennessee-football-season-ticket-prices-fans-nil-players/75167328007/" aria-label="Link Tennessee will raise ticket prices next year">Tennessee will raise ticket prices next year</a>, as a way to offset expected revenue-sharing costs that are around the bend.

Why Tennessee vs. Oklahoma is bigger for Brent Venables than Josh Heupel

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

A Tennessee Vols podcast from the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.

The Volunteer State

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer.

The Volunteer State

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