TENNESSEE VOLS FOOTBALL: Game 1, Furman

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SEPT. 5, FURMAN

In this college football world of “every game is significant in terms of the playoffs,” Tennessee’s season-opener against Furman should serve its purpose.

The Paladins, who play in the FCS under coach Clay Hendrix, should provide one of those “name the score” games for the Volunteers.

Furman is coming off a 6-6 season with a new quarterback ready to take over.

Jake Garcia has hanging around Power 5 programs for the most part since 2021. He was recruited by Miami (Fla.) and played in nine games over two years. He transferred to Missouri in 2023, but didn’t play.

East Carolina was Garcia’s destination for 2024 and some extended playing. He threw for 1,426 yards and eight touchdowns. He was at Michigan in 2025 and saw action in just one game.

Then came Furman.

The Paladins utilize a power running game and two quality tight ends in Joshua Burrell and Jackson Pryor. This will be the first real test for a completely renovated defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Knowles.

There will be two aspects of the Tennessee defense that will be scrutinized carefully. Since Chaz Coleman, a sophomore edge rusher who reportedly was paid a bunch of money to transfer from Penn State, never made it through spring practice, let alone the season, the Vols pressure on the quarterback will be analyzed.

Furman has an offensive line topped by veterans Davis Watson and Jaydon Collins, as well as young center Brady Smith.

Also, Tennessee’s re-tooled secondary will get a close look. The Vols had several quality players from last year either head to the NFL or transfer. Finding a cohesive unit that can stand up against the nation’s top quarterbacks as the season goes on will be critical.

Offensively, Tennessee will likely give both Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre real reps with the outcome still in doubt.

Furman edge rusher Joshua Stoneking was an FCS first-team All-American last season. Safeties Joshua Tarver and Taylen Blaylock are experienced. Tarver is a transfer from Yale.

Nowhere on the Paladins’ schedule is an offensive line like the one the Vols have. Combine that with the hard-charging run game led by DeSean Bishop and a quality receiving corps and Tennessee should roll.

PREDICTION: Tennessee 55, Furman 14.

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