Tennessee's Resilience in the College Football Playoff Rankings
Tennessee's football team has shown remarkable resilience, remaining in the College Football Playoff rankings despite its open date. The Vols' determination has paid off, as they moved up two spots to No. 23 in the latest CFP committee top 25 rankings, released on ESPN on Tuesday night. This achievement is all the more impressive considering Tennessee's position as one of the two three-loss teams still included in the rankings, alongside Iowa at No. 21.
The Vols' rise in the rankings can be attributed to the losses of three teams directly ahead of them while Tennessee was off. One of these teams was SEC rival Missouri, who suffered a three-touchdown loss at home to the unbeaten and third-ranked Texas A&M. In the Big Ten, No. 20 Iowa lost to No. 9 Oregon at home on a last-second field goal, and No. 23 Washington was upset on the road by two-win Wisconsin.
Tennessee's improved ranking is reflected in other polls as well. The Vols moved up two spots to No. 21 in the AP Top 25 and to No. 20 in the US LBM Coaches Poll on Sunday. This week, Tennessee returns to action against New Mexico State, a 3-6 team from Conference USA, in their Homecoming game.
Despite their current ranking, Tennessee's chances of making the 12-team bracket are still slim. No three-loss team made it last season, and SEC teams previously left out had stronger resumes. However, Tennessee has the opportunity to secure a ranked win in the regular-season finale against in-state rival Vanderbilt. However, none of the six teams Tennessee has beaten this season has a winning record, and the Vols are 0-3 against ranked teams with losses to Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
According to ESPN's Football Power Index, Tennessee's CFP chances have slightly decreased from last week, sitting at 1.9%. Nonetheless, the Vols have much to play for in the upcoming games, including SEC rivalry meetings with Florida and Vanderbilt.
Tennessee's success is attributed to the team's maturity and unity. Senior tight end Miles Kitselman emphasized the close relationships among team members, which fosters deep conversations and helps pull individuals out of slumps. With three serious football games left, the team's leaders are committed to maintaining their focus and determination, knowing that many would give their right arm to play the game they love.
