We have another FBS vs. FCS bout as the Chattanooga Mocs of the Southern Conference head to Rocky Top to take on the Tennessee Volunteers of the SEC.
The Mocs had themselves a decent 2023 season, going 8-5 and placing second in the conference. A few members of that team went on to greener pastures, but most of the team has stayed put.
The Vols went 9-4 last season with a 4-4 conference record and haven’t won a division or conference title in over 15 years. However, Tennessee is always a formidable opponent and coach Josh Heupel does a wonderful job recruiting and adding via the portal.
Below is my Chattanooga vs. Tennessee prediction, pick, and NCAAF odds for Saturday, August 31.
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Prediction
- Chattanooga vs Tennessee Prediction, Pick: Tennessee -38.5
My Chattanooga vs Tennessee best bet is targeting the spread, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Odds
| Chattanooga Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+38.5 -110 | 56.5 -110o / -110u | OFF |
| Tennessee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-38.5 -110 | 56.5 -110o / -110u | OFF |
- Chattanooga vs Tennessee Point Spread: Chattanooga +38.5 (-110) · Tennessee -38.5 (-110)
- Chattanooga vs Tennessee Total: Over/Under 56.5
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Preview
Chattanooga Mocs Betting Preview: Massive Challenge Ahead
The Mocs will send out quarterback Chase Artopoeus for his senior season. Last season, he completed 62.7% of his passes and threw for over 2,600 yards. However, he missed the final three games due to injury.
He and his offensive line will have their work cut out for them as the Mocs square off against one of the best defensive lines in the nation.
Through the air, all eyes will be on Javin Whatley and Sam Phillips, redshirt juniors who each hauled in over 600 yards a season ago.
Whatley is a massive threat. Last season, he led the team with nine touchdowns, averaged 17.7 yards per catch and was second on the team with 75 receiving yards per game.
I expect Reggie Davis to take the brunt of the rushes this season. The elder statesman of the running back room is poised for a breakout season. He was the third-string back in 2023, but led all rushers with five yards per carry.
The Mocs’ defense held pretty strong last season and was 44th in the FCS — allowing 24.5 points per game. However, I do worry about their pass rush.
Defensive back Jordan Walker also returns, along with linebacker Kameron Brown. They each pulled in three interceptions a season ago and are expected to continue that kind of production.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview: D-Line Capable of Greatness
Redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava will take the reins as the Vols’ starting quarterback. Iamaleava was a five-star recruit in 2023 and will have a few returning weapons from last season.
Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Bru McCoy will be the main targets.
Thornton, in particular, is a weapon I anticipate making a huge impact as he averaged 17.2 yards per catch on limited targets last season. With Ramel Keyton off the NFL, Thornton will be relied upon to generate explosive plays, something Tennessee lacked in 2023.
Tennessee lists five starting running backs on its depth chart, but I think it’s safe to assume Dylan Sampson will be the guy Heupel relies upon.
He rushed for 604 yards, 5.7 yards per carry and led running backs in rushing touchdowns last season.
I mentioned Tennessee’s defensive line before, and it’ll get back lineman James Pearce Jr., who led the SEC in sacks with 10. Pearce will be paired with returning linemen Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason, who are expected to take on larger roles.
This group does a wonderful job stopping the run and was ranked 17th in Rushing Defense Success Rate and 21st in PPA last season.
The secondary isn’t as strong, but it doesn’t need to be when the pass rush is this elite.
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Pick & Prediction
I think this could get ugly. Last season, the Mocs faced off against Alabama and got throttled 66-10. With Tennessee looking to make its mark on the college football landscape, I wouldn’t be surprised to see something similar.
We don’t know what to make of Iamaleava, but he wasn’t a five-star recruit for nothing.
I’ll take -38.5 gladly, and won’t be surprised if it goes further than that.
Pick: Tennessee -38.5 |
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How to Watch Chattanooga vs Tennessee Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12:45 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | SEC Network |
Chattanooga vs Tennessee Betting Trends
- Chattanooga is 1-4 ATS in its past five games.
- Tennessee is 2-3 ATS in its past five games.
