Following its second open date of the 2025 season, Tennessee football is back in action on Saturday afternoon as they face New Mexico State in its penultimate home game of the year. The Vols are looking to bounce back from their loss against Oklahoma to set the stage for a pair of rivalry games to end the season,
Each week, the RTI team will provide game predictions for Tennessee’s matchup. We move on to the New Mexico State Aggies.
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Ric Butler
Tennessee returns to action on Saturday with a non-conference game against New Mexico State before two marquee rivalry games to close out the season against Florida and Vanderbilt. I know the team doesn’t want to look ahead, but I sure can. Those two games are obviously what is going to separate Tennessee from a 7-5 record, an 8-4 record, or a 9-3 record.
To give a word on the game against the Aggies, though. This is a get-back-on-track game for the Vols. Not to say that things are derailed by any stretch, but after a four-week stretch that has included two losses and a bye week, this is a good time for Tennessee to re-grease the wheels before those critical two games come up. I don’t know how much there is to break down about the actual game – Tennessee’s offense should maintain good consistency, the defense should have some opportunities to get some swagger back.
The thing to look for is the second-half rotations, in my opinion. Which bench players get some good time out on the field? It’s not only a spot for Tennessee to get depth pieces some work, but it’s also a chance for Tennessee to get some guys out on the field before agent/parent-led conversations about the transfer portal could come about. Maybe there’s a chance to show some guys what they’ll be working with in the future.
It’s also intriguing what will happen with the quarterback position. That’s something we talked about on the Press Pass podcast this week. Does George MacIntyre get more snaps than Jake Merklinger in replacement of Joey Aguilar?
I’ve got Tennessee covering as fans’ eyes turn to Florida immediately after the game.
Prediction: Tennessee 52, New Mexico State 10
Ryan Schumpert
Tennessee should have little issues in this game. New Mexico State enters Saturday’s matchup 3-6 and has lost six of its last seven games. The Vols’ offense should be able to run the ball efficiently in this game and set up plays down the field in the passing game.
For me, the biggest question is what energy and focus Tennessee comes out with in this game. The Vols are all but out of College Football Playoff consideration following their loss to Oklahoma two weeks ago. Still, Tennessee has a lot to play for with rivalry games against Florida and Vanderbilt on the horizon. But we don’t know what the mindset of Tennessee’s players are. It would be a good sign if the Vols came out locked in, were polished from the start and jumped out to a sizable lead early.
To do that, Tennessee must be much more efficient in scoring range then they were in the month of October. The Vols struggled to finish strong drives with touchdowns against Oklahoma. That should be a major area of improvement in this game. On the other side of the ball, New Mexico State has been good at creating chunk plays this season. Let’s see if Tennessee can take them away.
Lastly, I’m curious to see what the quarterback play looks like behind Joey Aguilar in this game. What is the balance in drives for Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre? How does MacIntyre perform in his first action since ETSU? Nonetheless, Tennessee rolls in this one.
Prediction: Tennessee 59, New Mexico State 10
Ryan Sylvia
How Tennessee plays on Saturday will tell me what I need to know for the final two games. If the Vols come out and go through the motions, even if it’s still a massive win, then it’s tough to have much confidence on the road at Florida or at home against Vanderbilt. However, if Tennessee comes out motivated, winning out and finishing 9-3 certainly still feels on the table.
If the Vols do come out on fire and take a commanding lead, all attention then turns to the reserves. Some freshmen I’m excited to see get some additional run include running back Daune Morris, tight end DaSaahn Brame, wide receiver Radarious Jackson, defensive end Mariyon Dye, LEO Christian Gass, defensive tackle Isaiah Campbell, defensive back Sidney Walton and defensive back Tre Poteat. Injuries throughout the team could also lead to some precautionary sit-outs and additional time for reserves.
The quarterback position is also going to be interesting. Particularly, what does George MacIntyre do in any reps he receives after nearly a full year with the Vols at this point? Of course, any reps for Jake Merklinger will also be worth noting.
As far as New Mexico State, it doesn’t have much that poses a real threat. The run game is abysmal, and the pass game can create explosives, but it turns the ball over too much. I’m sure the Aggies will put up some points later in the game, but I’d be surprised if they find the end zone on the starters.
Prediction: Tennessee 52, New Mexico State 14
