SEC Power Rankings following Week 10: Vols back near bottom

SEC Power Rankings following Week 10 of 2018: Vols back near bottom

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 3: Offensive lineman Marcus Tatum #68 of the Tennessee Volunteers blocks Markees Watts #40 of the Charlotte 49ers during the game between the Charlotte 49ers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 14-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

7 of 15

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images /

Just when you were ready to count out the Auburn Tigers, they decided to go on another run. Isn’t that what Gus Malzahn’s team does every year? He never gives you enough to justify keeping him long-term, but right before he’s able to justify you firing him, he goes on a run.

Auburn was able to blow out the Ole Miss Rebels before their bye week. Then they were able to use their bye to get better, and that’s exactly what they did in this game. This is how you coach Butch Jones!

Tennessee took advantage of its bye to get better and shock Auburn. South Carolina took advantage of its bye to get better and shock the Vols. Now Auburn has taken advantage of its bye to get better and shock the Aggies.

In the process, these guys clinched a bowl berth. And with the Liberty Flames on the schedule, seven wins is a sure bet. However, despite the bump, they still are near the bottom of our SEC Power Rankings. And fixing that requires a splash win in their final two conference games.

Can they steal a road win against the Georgia Bulldogs or Alabama Crimson Tide? If so, the season could be salvaged to a degree. The first one is this weekend in Athens. But losing both could significantly hurt their status as a program.

Home/Vols Football