ESPN names the 'season-defining' game for the Tennessee Vols in 2024

The Tennessee Vols have several games on their 2024 schedule that could define the program's season, but there's one game that stands above the rest as "season-defining" according to ESPN. 

ESPN's Chris Low pointed out the Vols' matchup against the Florida Gators on October 12 as a game that's a must-win for Tennessee if the program is going to compete for a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024. 

From ESPN: The must-win game for the Vols if they're going to make a push for the College Football Playoff is the home contest against Florida on Oct. 12. Alabama comes to Knoxville the following week, a two-game stretch that will shape Tennessee's season. Yes, the third Saturday in October is always an important date in Tennessee football lore, but it won't mean nearly as much next season unless the Vols can figure out a way to exercise their demons against the Gators. Florida has won 17 of the past 19 meetings in the series.

I would argue that this is a must-win game for the Vols even without the College Football Playoff factored into the conversation. 

Tennessee is a program that's on the rise. And if their ascension is going to continue, they absolutely can't lose a home game to a Florida team that could be on the verge of firing its head coach.  

In the past, the Vols have lost to several Florida teams that fired its head coach later that season (the 2014 Vols lost to Florida before they fired Will Muschamp, the 2017 Vols lost to Florida before they fired Jim McElwain, and the 2021 Vols lost to Florida before they fired Dan Mullen). 

If Tennessee is going to become one of the top programs in college football, they have to take advantage of a down Florida program this fall. A loss to the Gators in Knoxville in 2024 would be disastrous for Josh Heupel and the Vols.