National media outlet puts Tennessee Vols on upset alert in early-season game

The 2025 college football season doesn't start for another three months, but CBS Sports already has the Tennessee Vols on upset alert in Week One. 

CBS Sports/247Sports writer Brad Crawford put Tennessee on upset alert in their Week One matchup against Syracuse (which will be played in Atlanta at 12:00 PM ET on August 30). 

The Vols are currently a 12.5 point favorite against Syracuse. 

From CBS Sports: One of two games inside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium during opening weekend, the Vols opened as a 12.5-point favorite against the Orange, via FanDuel Sportsbook. Nearly two touchdowns feels like a bit much with Tennessee debuting a new offense led by UCLA transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar following the Nico Iamaleava saga, right? Syracuse added Notre Dame transfer signal caller Steve Angeli after spring camp and he'll be battling Rickie Collins in fall camp. This one should be more competitive than the opening line suggests.

I definitely don't think this is a game that Tennessee can just show up and win. The Vols have the more talented roster, but Syracuse is a well-coached team. Throw in the Vols' uncertain quarterback situation and it's easy to see how this could be considered somewhat of a toss-up game (for now). 

If Tennessee plays well, they should leave Atlanta as a 1-0 program. But if the Vols get off to a slow start in this one, it could be a game that comes down to the final play or two.