{
  "id": 5350946,
  "title": "Why ESPN analyst put Tennessee football on upset alert vs Furman. Here's why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/why-espn-analyst-put-tennessee-football-on-upset-alert-vs-furman-5350946",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T14:55:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-espn-analyst-put-tennessee-145555876.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers suggested that Tennessee football may be on an upset alert for their season opener against Furman. Rodgers, a former Vanderbilt quarterback, pointed out that the No. 18 Vols are 46.5-point favorites going into the game against Furman (1-0) on September 5 at Neyland Stadium. Rodgers did not believe that such a upset was likely, but said it could be an intriguing game if it does happen. Rodgers' primary concern for Tennessee is the debut of freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, who could make costly mistakes as a young, talented player. Rodgers also believes there could be growing pains for the Vols defense as they introduce new defense coordinator Jim Knowles, along with new assistant coaches and key transfer pieces along the defensive line and secondary. The Paladins are expected to lose, but Rodgers noted that the season opener could be closer than the betting lines predict due to the turnover at important positions at Tennessee this offseason.",
  "summary": "Former Vanderbilt quarterback and ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers thinks Tennessee's season opener against Furman will be closer than the experts think.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Tennessee football announces uniform combination for Furman game",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/tennessee-football-announces-uniform-combination-for-furman-game",
        "published": "2026-09-03T13:20:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}