Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) walks off the field after his team’s game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) walks off the field after his team’s game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. / Brianna Paciorka / USA TODAY
Everyone knew Tennessee would drop in the rankings, but the real question was how far. On Saturday night, the Vols suffered a tough 31-17 defeat to the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. The game was much closer than the final score suggested, though the officials didn’t make it any easier for Josh Heupel and his team.
The College Football Playoff Committee certainly took notice of this, as Tennessee dropped from No. 7 to No. 11 after the loss to Georgia. The way the bracket is set up now, Tennessee is projected to be the first team out of the CFP. Not great news:
Tennessee is the first team out in the new CFP bracket
November 20, 2024 Tennessee has dropped to No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings
As shown, Tennessee now needs some help to make it in. The same applies to SMU. Heupel has emphasized that the Vols can only focus on what they can control and not worry about external factors.
This weekend, Tennessee will face UTEP, followed by a regular season finale against Vanderbilt. Simply put, the Vols must win both to stay in the CFP hunt. Any loss would eliminate their chances.
However, winning out won’t be enough. The teams ahead of Tennessee will also need to lose. This weekend, fans will be hoping for Billy Napier to pull off an upset and beat Ole Miss.
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