Tennessee football: Vols continue slide in SEC Power Rankings after Week 8
Defeated Tennessee Volunteers 48-17
There’s nothing impressive about beating a reeling Tennessee football team. However, the Vols lost the previous two weeks due to a series of turnovers that spotted the other team points. UT allowed 13 points off turnovers to the Georgia Bulldogs and 17 points off turnovers, while leaving at least six on the table, to the Kentucky Wildcats.
The Alabama Crimson Tide did force a fumble and return it for a touchdown, but by that point, they already had a 28-10 lead. Simply put, they were unstoppable in numerous other ways, including Mac Jones completing his first 10 passes and continuing to look like a Heisman candidate and the secondary being able to stay with receivers one-on-one after play-action.
It’s a win with a loss for this team, though, as Jaylen Waddle suffered a season-ending injury when he made the ill-advised decision to run out the opening kickoff. John Metchie III emerged as a superstar for the Tide last week, and Slade Bolden had a breakout game, but Waddle could still be a big loss when they face another elite opponent. Still, these guys are at the top of this list.
This team has a clear path to an undefeated record now, and it’s had that since blowing out UGA. After facing the Mississippi State Bulldogs this week, these guys have a bye before taking on the LSU Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Auburn Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks. None of those teams have a realistic chance at beating Bama.