Tennessee opens as double-digit underdog against Texas A&M

Tennessee now sits at 2-4, and things won’t be getting any easier this week. Texas A&M is coming to town, fresh off of a 48-3 blowout win over South Carolina on the road. The Aggies are one of the hottest teams in the country, with their one loss coming against Alabama.

Jimbo Fisher’s squad finally delivered a statement win, beating the Florida Gators a few weeks ago. They now find themselves in the thick of the College Football Playoff race, ranked No. 5 in the country currently.

Tennessee, well — the wheels have come off for Jeremy Pruitt. After a 2-0 start, the Volunteers have dropped four straight. They blew a 13-0 lead to Arkansas, giving up 24 third quarter points on their way to a loss. The quarterback situation is a disaster, now further complicated with a Jarrett Guarantano head injury.

Through all of that though, Tennessee is only a 12 point home underdog to Texas A&M. It was a bit of a surprise to see on Sunday afternoon, and the number has already moved to -13. Considering Tennessee’s uncertainty at quarterback, that number will likely continue to move.

Jeremy Pruitt is going to have to decide whether or not it’s time to begin the Harrison Bailey era, or whether he’ll go back to Guarantano if he’s healthy. Brian Maurer could also factor into the equation, but he’s coming off of a pretty poor showing on Saturday night.

Pruitt has to find a way to show us something to close 2020, or his seat might just be scorching hot come December. We’re entering a critical phase here — unfortunately for him, the schedule isn’t doing him any favors.