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Tennessee football rises by default in Week 3 SEC Power Rankings

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
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Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) celebrates after a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) celebrates after a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /

. 2-1. Previous: . Volunteers . 10. team. 839

Last week: Defeated Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 56-0

Yes, Tennessee football was able to jump two spots in our SEC Power Rankings this week. Look, some things are working against the Vols. Their one loss looks even worse now since the Pittsburgh Panthers just fell to the Western Michigan Broncos last week. They also haven’t beaten anybody that has beaten an FBS team yet.

There’s nothing impressive about beating the Bowling Green Falcons or the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. However, this TTU game was the first game in which they got better as it went on. That has to mean something.

Meanwhile, they don’t have a Group of Five loss. Although the overall resume of the Vols may actually warrant them being next to last in our SEC Power Rankings, the recency of last weekend was enough to move them up to here for now.

With SEC play set to begin, though, things are about to get much tougher. It starts with a brutal road trip to the Florida Gators Saturday, and then they have a crucial visit to Missouri the next week, a game that could determine if they make a bowl. Non-conference play is over, and Josh Heupel’s team is about to be under a lot of pressure going forward.

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