KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — This is the first year that the College Football Playoff ranking will be expanded from four teams to twelve. The top four seeds will receive a first-round bye. The remaining teams will be paired up to fight for a spot in the second round.
The Vols are the eighth seed. If they can keep that for the playoff, they'll play the University of Indiana at Neyland Stadium. Then, they could advance to play the current number-one seed, the University of Oregon.
But to make it to the playoffs, first, the Vols have four more regular season games to play. While they're predicted to win three of them, the game against Georgia could shake things up.
"Tennessee has a huge game looming with Georgia in Athens in a few weeks. If they win, that sets them on pace to win the SEC and be outright in the top four in the playoffs. If they lose, then they're going to have to sit and wait. They'll have to hold their breath come the last weeks," said Chris Wampler, president of "The T-Club."
During an already busy season with seven home games and a two-night Morgan Wallen concert, an additional home game could have a big financial impact on the program.
UT Athletics said teams make $4 million for the first two games and $6 million for the last two. In addition to that, teams receive $3 million to cover expenses for each round.
The first playoff games will be on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
