Tennessee Football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020

Tennessee opens with the first victim of their six-game win streak. South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp is back in his familiar hot seat and this is a game the Gamecocks will have to win right out of the gate.

Thirteen starters are back for South Carolina following a 4-8 season in which Ryan Hilinski and his offense had a rough season. The Gamecock offense scored more than 20 points in only five games last season.

Last year’s meeting resulted in a 41-21 Vols victory. It’ll be much of the same in 2020.

Prediction: Tennessee 38, South Carolina 20 (1-0)

Missouri’s 2019 was pretty much the exact opposite of Tennessee. The Tigers started 5-1 before losing five straight. They righted the ship with a season closing win over Arkansas to finish 6-6.

This year, Missouri’s bowl ban is over, but it might not matter much. Due to 2020 schedule changes, Missouri had four extremely winnable non-conference games removed. Instead, two more SEC teams were added: Alabama and LSU. Ouch.

Eleven starters are back on a team with a new head coach in Eliah Drinkwitz whom on the surface is a great hire.

Missouri had a pretty solid defense last year, but their offense was awful at times. They lose quarterback Kelly Bryant, who lead the team in passing and was third in rushing. Couple the best player on offense leaving with a new coach and a brand new system and that’s more than enough for the Vols to run their overall win streak to eight.

Prediction: Missouri 17, Tennessee 33 (2-0)