Tennessee Vols to Face UTEP in Crucial Non-Conference Matchup

The University of Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) are set to face the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners in their final non-conference game of the college football season at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The game is slated for a 1 p.m. EST kickoff on Saturday and will be available to watch on SEC Network+, with commentary by Lowell Galindo and Fozzy Whittaker and sideline reporting by Marilyn Payne. This game comes as the Vols carry an 8-2 overall record, with a 5-2 standing within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As Tennessee prepares for Saturday’s game, they aim to remain in the hunt for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Their aspirations hinge on winning against UTEP and following up with success against Vanderbilt, alongside results from other league matchups affecting their position. This comes after a challenging outing last week, which has put their title hopes into question.

On the other hand, the UTEP Miners, holding a 2-8 record this season, aim to defy the odds under the guidance of first-year coach Scotty Walden. Despite a rocky season, the Miners managed an overtime victory against Kennesaw State two weeks prior. This Saturday’s match marks a return from an open date for UTEP.

Saturday’s game also holds significance for the Vols as it coincides with senior day, a momentous occasion for graduating players. Tennessee senior tight end expressed mixed emotions heading into the final home game, stating, «Everyone keeps asking me if I’m excited or ready for it, and I don’t really know how to feel about it. I’m definitely sad. I don’t think the emotions have quite hit me yet. I wish I had a lot more time here in Knoxville, it’s a great place. I think I have enjoyed my time here a lot. I’m just really excited to go out there and play in Neyland. Hopefully not for the last time, but I’m just really excited.»

In related developments, college football bowl projections have placed the Volunteers in a potential matchup against the University of Illinois, scheduled for December 31, according to recent predictions. The outcome of the forthcoming games will play a pivotal role in securing the Vols’ spot in this highly anticipated bowl game.