3 moments from Tennessee's regular season that derailed their Playoff chances

Tennessee's 10-3 2024 season ended in the College Football Playoff. That alone would make it a successful campaign in the eyes of most programs. But a 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the CFP left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Vol fans.

Had Tennessee finished the regular season in a better position, they might have avoided the juggernaut which is title favorite Ohio State.

Over the course of a season, many moments make a team's resume. But here are the three moments that shifted Tennessee's season down the path of collision with Ohio State.

3 regular season moments that derailed Tennessee's CFP chances

Tennessee and Josh Heupel reached the CFP, but came up short of their ultimate goals. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

3. The injury to Keenan Pili

At some positions, Tennessee struggled through an injury-plagued 2024. But one of the biggest losses may have been linebacker Keenan Pili, who tore his ACL in the Florida game. Pili had 29 tackles at the time of his injury and his last full game included 14 tackles against Arkansas.

Without Pili, the Tennessee defense was adequate, but not explosive. Even when they won, Tennessee coasted through competitive games with teams like Kentucky and Mississippi State.

As the CFP is something of a beauty contest, the loss of Pili definitely took some excitement out of UT's defense and likely hurt their seeding.

2. Georgia's play to end the first quarter

Before the final play of the first quarter in Tennessee's showdown with Georgia, everything was going UT's way. The Vols led 10-0 and had oft-criticized Georgia QB Carson Beck on 3rd and 8 at his own 27-yard line. But on the final play of the quarter, Beck hit Dominic Lovett for a 38-yard gain ... and momentum swung.

From there, Georgia completed that drive with a touchdown and scored on four of the next five drives, including three touchdowns. Georgia outscored Tennessee 31-7 from the moment of Beck's big completion ... and Tennessee's CFP chances took a significant hit.

1. Nico loses track of time against Arkansas

But the biggest issue with Tennessee's CFP resume was their loss to Arkansas. The Arkansas game was a struggle for the usually impressive QB Nico Iamaleava. He went just 17 of 29 for 158 yards. More critically, with time running out, Tennessee still had a chance to win.

The Vols trailed 19-14 and had a final play from the Arkansas' 20-yard line. On 4th and 5, Iamaleava was flushed from the pocket and eventually ran the ball, ducking out of bounds at the 16-yard line after the clock had expired.

Yes, a single play from the 20-yard line was far from certain. But Vol fans will always wonder what would have happened if Iamaleava had thrown the ball into the end zone.

What do you think of UT's shortcomings? Share your take on the Vols below in our comments section!