Why Tennessee's Win Over NC State Was the Most Important of the Season

Why the Tennessee Volunteers' win over NC State in week two was the important win of the season.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) looks to pass at the NCAA College football game between Tennessee and NC State on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Why the Tennessee Volunteers' win over NC State in week two was the important win of the season.

The Tennessee Volunteers picked up a crucial win on Saturday night against NC State at a neutral site field. Both teams were ranked headed into the game and the Volunteers routed the Wolfpack by a final score of 51-10. It was dominating performance and it arguably was already the most important win of the entire season.

With the expanded playoff being introduced this season, there is a little more leeway for teams throughout the regular seaosn. There doesn't appear to be a need for anyone to go undefeated for 12 games and 10-2 might even be the threshold. With that being said, Tennessee beating NC State makes the Volunteers feel a lot more comfortable about the rest of their schedule.

Tennessee still has games remaining against Oklahoma, Alabama and Georgia. Oklahoma and Georgia are both on the road while Alabama will make the trip to Neyland Stadium. Those are arguably right now the three hardest games remaining for Tennessee and the Volunteers could go 1-2 in those football games and still make the college football. Obviously, Tennessee would rather not lose any of those games, but it's nice to know the Volunteers are in the best possible position prior to getting their conference schedule started up.

Tennessee will host Kent State during week three for a 7:45 PM kickoff on SEC Network.

Other Tennessee News:

• Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel Previews Matchup vs NC State
• Tennessee Volunteers Look Like True College Football Contenders
• Josh Heupel Updates Tennessee Injury Report - Rickey Gibson Available vs NC State

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