Tennessee vs Furman Prediction: The Start of a New Quarterback Era
· Yahoo Sports
There’s a lot to like about a Tennessee team that had plenty of positive moments last season, but sputtered late and finished with a disappointing 8-5 run.
This year’s defense has to be far better, the offense has to take over against the big boys, and it would be nice to beat the better teams – all eight wins came against teams that finished with losing records.
Enter Faizon Brandon, the super-recruit who won one of the toughest quarterback battles of the offseason. It’s the freshman’s team to run now, and this light scrimmage against Furman is that first step.
Tennessee vs Furman : Quick Hits
- Tennessee has won six straight season openers and is 2-0 all-time vs Furman. The Vols won 52-7 in 1942 and 32-6 to open the 1941 season.
- Furman started the season with a 20-3 win over Anderson, a Division II team in South Carolina.
- The Vols go to Georgia Tech next week before hosting Kennesaw State. The SEC opener against Texas closes out September.
How To Watch Tennessee vs Furman
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
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Why Furman Will Win
The Paladin defense held up great in the opener. Tennessee’s attack is a wee bit more dangerous than Anderson’s, but it was a good start for a Furman run defense that struggled last year.
It allowed just six net yards, made plenty of plays in the backfield, and it showed off enough playmaking ability behind the line to potentially bother Brandon.
Why Tennessee Will Win
All eyes will be on the quarterback, but this is the game about the offensive line. It gets four starts back, but the depth needs some developing, and the pass protection has to be better. It’ll start by bashing away on the Furman front, which, yes, was great against Anderson, but will be in for a long day.
Tennessee won last season when the ground attack worked, but it didn’t get the job done for almost half of the season. The timing and running back rotation will be on display.
Tennessee vs Furman Prediction, Betting Lines
Okay, okay, so this is about the 18-year-old true freshman who looks like he’s right out of central casting. Faizon Brandon is 6-4, 225 pounds, can run, has a huge arm, and has a natural leadership way for a player so young. He’ll turn it loose, mainly because mistakes won’t matter – the defense will clean them up.
Tennessee beat East Tennessee State 72-17 last season, and wiped out UT Chattanooga 69-3 in 2024. It’s not like the Vols rub it in against FCS teams, but head coach Josh Heupel gets his work done in these paycheck games.
Tennessee 58, Furman 7
Latest Consensus Line: Tennessee -48.5, o/u: 66.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.