Tennessee's Top Three SEC Matchups

After the Tennessee Volunteers' SEC schedule was released, here is a look at the three most anticipated matchups.

On Thursday, the Tennessee Volunteers got their 2023-24 SEC season conference schedule. With the schedule out, here is an in-depth look at some of the season's most anticipated matchups. 

1. Tennessee @ Kentucky

 Arguably the best rivalry in basketball for the conference, the Vols open the month of February in Rupp Arena against the Kentucky Wildcats. At this point in the season, Tennessee will be in the thick of conference play, with this game having huge implications. One, they will be playing their biggest rival in the sport, and two, it is huge on which way the rest of conference play will go. The Volunteers also got beaten twice by Kentucky last season so they will certainly be looking for wins against them this upcoming season. The other matchup between the two teams will be the season's final game in the Food City Center. 

2. Tennessee @ Arkansas

This will be another tough road test for Tennessee as they head to Fayetteville to take on the Razorbacks on Valentine's Day. The two teams have consistently been at the top of the SEC in basketball for the past several seasons; thus, it makes for an intriguing matchup. The Vols have matched up well with the Hogs, recently winning the last two games against them. However, they have not won in Fayetteville since the 2008-09 season. A win for head coach Rick Barnes in Bud Walton Arena would allow him to accomplish something he has not done before. 

3. Ole Miss @ Tennessee 

The opener for SEC play in the Food City Center will be something to watch for. It will be the first determinant of how the Vols do throughout conference play. As of recent, Ole Miss has played the Vols very well in their regular season matchups. The past three matchups between the two squads in the regular season have all been decided by six points or less. The last game against the Rebels in Knoxville went to overtime. Tennessee will look to open conference play against a team that has historically been competitive against them. 

Tennessee Volunteers HC Rick Barnes during a press conference at the NCAA Tournament on March 22nd, 2023, in New York City, New York. (Photo by Brad Penner of USA Today Sports)

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