This Saturday, the Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 1, will compete against the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers in an exciting SEC matchup. The game is set to kick off at noon ET at Neyland Stadium, with live coverage available on ABC.
Notably, US President Donald Trump is anticipated to attend the game, which could lead to interruptions in team communications. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted the challenges posed by such a high-profile presence, stating, “Whenever the president arrives or moves within the stadium, all communication systems are disabled. This includes headsets for coaches and player communication, so it’s crucial to have a contingency plan ready, as these disruptions occur without notice.”
In terms of betting odds, the best pick for the Texas vs. Tennessee game is set at under 54.5 points, with odds of +100 at Kalshi.
ESPN’s College GameDay will also be broadcasting from Knoxville, marking this as one of the most significant games on the college football schedule for Saturday. Heisman Trophy hopeful Arch Manning will lead the Longhorns, playing on the same field where his uncle, Peyton Manning, excelled during his college years at Tennessee.
Both teams remain undefeated in the SEC, with Texas relying on veteran quarterback Manning, while Tennessee showcases promising freshman QB Faizon Brandon, a top recruit nationally.
The Volunteers also boast skilled running backs, including Deshaun Bishop and Daune Morris, and currently rank second in the nation with an impressive average of 283.5 rushing yards per game, only behind UCLA.
Texas aims to establish a strong ground game against Tennessee's defense, although they may be without RB1 Hollywood Smothers, who is dealing with a lower-leg injury. A successful rushing attack on early downs could significantly benefit Manning’s performance.
Tennessee's defense has been formidable against the pass, largely due to their ability to pressure the quarterback, as they rank second in the country with 13 sacks.
This matchup marks Tennessee's first encounter with a top-25 team, while Texas is looking to improve after struggling with away games last season.
Both teams are expected to prioritize their running game, but the question remains: can they convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns? Texas has only allowed three touchdowns to opponents entering the red zone. If Tennessee can tighten its run defense, there’s a strong possibility this game will stay under the 54.5-point mark.
For player prop bets, consider taking Arch Manning under 251.5 passing yards, as he has struggled to reach even 200 yards in previous games against Ohio State and UTSA. Tennessee’s defense has been effective, giving up only 151 passing yards per game across three contests, and they rank among the top 12 nationally in pressures, sacks, and coverage. Manning may find more success using his legs in this matchup.