Tier 4: Possible rooting interests
This tier of games involves those that will affect Tennessee Football but we just don’t know how yet. We’re writing who Vol fans should root for somewhat on a whim based on which teams we think will be a bigger threat to their CFP hopes down the line. Simply put, there’s a case to root the opposite way in these games. Two fit this mold, and both are ACC matchups.
Pittsburgh over SMU
The Pittsburgh Panthers are undefeated, and the SMU Mustangs have just one loss, to the BYU Cougars. However, SMU won’t lose another game after this one. Pitt, meanwhile, still has to face the Clemson Tigers, and visits to the Louisville Cardinals and Boston College Eagles are both potential losses.
Right now, the goal for UT fans is to have as many ACC teams with two regular season losses as possible so they aren’t a threat to have more than their champion get in. Pitt has a better chance at two losses after this game than SMU does at one, so root for them to win here.
Duke over Miami
Since the Duke Blue Devils already have two losses, you obviously want them to beat the undefeated Miami Hurricanes. Miami still visits the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Syracuse Orange, so another loss is potentially on the table. However, this is a bit of a gamble for Tennessee Football fans.
If Duke does win, and both teams win out, then both teams could have a case over the Vols given UT’s easy schedule. However, with two road games and a red-hot Virginia Tech Hokies team at home to close out the season, another loss for Duke after this one seems likely.
NEXT PAGE: TIER 3 GAMES FOR VOLS CFP ROOTING GUIDE
