SEC Power Rankings following Week 4 of 2018: Vols still near bottom

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: David Reese II #33 of the Florida Gators recovers a fumble during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

3 of 15

Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images /

Tennessee football had a chance to make some sort of jump in our SEC Power Rankings this week. But in their first game with what could be considered even playing field, they flat-out embarrassed themselves in front of their home crowd.

The Vols dropped their 13th of 14 games to the Florida Gators, and Jeremy Pruitt’s SEC opener was a complete disaster. The program did not look like it could handle the big stage, committing six turnovers and allowing a safety throughout the game.

If there is any consolation, Tennessee was actually able to move the ball at times. And the defense showed signs of life when it wasn’t ready to throw in the towel because of all the offensive mistakes. The issues are blatant but correctible.

Unfortunately, the Vols don’t have time to correct them. They have a brutal stretch coming up against the Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers on the road before hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide and going back on the road to face the South Carolina Gamecocks. Those are just their next four games.

It’s not like their final three against the Missouri Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores are likely wins either. At this point, 3-9 is very possible. That’s how much trouble these guys are in, and a bowl game is going to be a massive uphill climb.

Home/Vols Football