National media outlet predicts Tennessee's record in 2024 and which games the Vols will lose

With the start of the 2024 season just around the corner, 247Sports took the time to predict the final record of each program in the SEC (and which games each program will lose).

247Sports has the Tennessee Vols going 9-3 in 2024 with losses to Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia.

From 247Sports : Don't overlook Tennessee in the College Football Playoff picture. The Vols are one of several teams capable of 10 regular-season wins, which is the magic number to get into the conversation given this schedule. September is vital in that regard with nationally-ranked matchups against NC State and Oklahoma. If Tennessee can win those games, all of this program's season-long goals will be within reach. Another home win over Alabama at Neyland Stadium would be this season's top victory.

9-3 is a fair prediction for Tennessee, even though the Vols have their sights set much higher.

But going 9-3 with a loss to the Florida Gators would be tough to swallow for Vols fans. Tennessee should beat the Gators in Knoxville. The Vols have the better team and this is a Florida team that's reeling going into the 2024 season. Losing to Florida would certainly be a set back for Tennessee's program.

(Oddly, though, they have Tennessee beating Alabama in Knoxville.)

Losses at Oklahoma and at Georgia would be a bit more understandable.

Preseason predictions are ultimately meaningless, but they're a reminder of how the Vols are viewed by the national media ahead of the season. And in this instance, it's actually a good thing for Tennessee that the program isn't receiving a bevy of playoff predictions. The Vols are facing significantly less pressure than some of their SEC counterparts (such as Ole Miss, Missouri, Texas, and Alabama).

Related: Former Vols DB Brandon Turnage explains why he transferred to Ole Miss and makes strong statement about his time at Tennessee