Tennessee football: Vols still play three teams in College Football Playoff hunt
After a 0-1 start, the Volunteers are out of the College Football Playoff picture. However, they still play three teams that could make an appearance in the playoffs.
It wasn’t the 0-1 start the Tennessee football was hoping for. Of course, no one is hoping for a loss, but if Vol nation was honest with themselves, they should have known the West Virginia game was going to be a loss.
Win or lose it doesn’t change the fact that the Vols have to play at least three more teams that are currently in the hunt for an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The opportunity for Jeremy Pruitt and the Vols to play spoiler isn’t quite over yet. However, need to be much improvement to play with Alabama, Georiga, and Auburn.
Here are the All For Tennesse power rankings for the College Football Playoff after Week 1:
1. Alabama
It is scary to think about how good this Crimson Tide team can be. The offense under Tua Tagovailoa looks better than any offense in the nation. If the Vols secondary doesn’t improve, the Tide could drop a 70 piece on them.
2. Clemson
Let’s face it; the ACC is weak. Flordia State and Miami look as bad as Tennessee. Virginia Tech will be the only team with a chance to knock off Clemson.
3. Auburn
The stock rises for Auburn. Another team the Vols are going to have to play. Their defense looks nasty and after a 14 point performance from the Vols, which was the worst scoring output since 1983. Auburn doesn’t look like a team the Vols can beat.
4. Oklahoma
Yes, they only beat FAU, but Kyler Murray looked great replacing Baker Mayfield. If Oklahoma can beat West Virginia and TCU they should be a lock for the playoffs.
5. Norte Dame
In a year that was supposed to be Michigan’s the Fighting Irish handled the entire game. Norte Dame actually has a relatively tough schedule, so if they can run the table, they are in for sure.
6. Georiga
The Bulldogs didn’t play anyone worth mentioning, but they deserve consideration for a playoff spot. Week 2 should tell us a little bit more about Georgia as they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Oh yeah, and of course the Vols play the Bulldogs every year.
7. Ohio State
Ohio State dropped 70 points on another Power 5 opponent. Granted it was Oregon State but, that was still impressive. The Buckeyes get our number seven spot for now.
8. West Virginia
Yes, I’m going to do it. The Mountaineers come in at number eight. Not because their win against an inexperienced and young Vols team was impressive. They probably should have scored more points, to be honest. But, it is because the Big 12 is weak.
Along with Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn, the Vols still have to play South Carolina and Florida. Those are two more teams that could potentially have a chance to play for a playoff berth. Tennessee will have to get a little bit better in the secondary to play spoiler this season.