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Another bowl game option could be in play for the Tennessee Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Dec 1, 2023 10:20 AM ET

For the last couple of weeks, it's been assumed that the Tennessee Vols will play either North Carolina or NC State in the Gator Bowl to end the 2023 season.

(A matchup against North Carolina seems more likely because of the Vols' scheduled matchup against NC State in 2024.)

Another potential bowl game option, however, has emerged for Tennessee.

While the Gator Bowl still seems like the mostly likely scenario for the Vols, it's possible that they could land in the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly. the Outback Bowl) in a matchup against Notre Dame.

This scenario could be in play if LSU lobbies to avoid a matchup against Notre Dame (which would feature a Brian Kelly vs the team he used to coach storyline).

Tennessee vs North Carolina/NC State in Gator Bowl (Jacksonville)

(or)

Tennessee vs Notre Dame in ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa) ... if LSU wants to avoid Brian Kelly vs Notre Dame

Family holiday plans await the verdict.
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) November 30, 2023

Both bowl games are in Florida. The matchup against North Carolina, however, would likely be viewed as the most favorable for Tennessee (especially if Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye, a top draft prospect, skips the bowl game).

While we don't know for sure where Tennessee will head for their bowl game, it sounds like they'll avoid the Music City Bowl in Nashville (which is a bowl game the program reportedly hopes to avoid).

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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