Tennessee football climbs Week 5 SEC Power Rankings after dominant win over Missouri
839. . 3-2 (1-1). Previous: . Volunteers . 10. team
Last week: Defeated Missouri Tigers 62-24
Just like that, Tennessee football looks like a complete team under Josh Heupel. Through the first four games, the Vols had opportunities to make plays but often times failed to make them. Add in Joe Milton III starting the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers, and more miscues crept in, which is why they are 3-2 right now and not 4-1.
However, they have a dominant running game and have found their quarterback in Hendon Hooker. Beating Mizzou in that fashion is more than enough to move this team up our SEC Power Rankings, especially with Pitt moving to 4-1 on the year. Heck, the Bowling Green Falcons also look like a better win after beating the Minnesota Golden Gophers two Saturdays ago.
Right now, Heupel’s offense seems to be taking off at just the right time, but what’s underrated is how well Tennessee football’s defense played last weekend too. This team could be turning into a complete team, and more games will test that.
It starts Saturday with a game they should win against South Carolina. The South Alabama Jaguars and Vanderbilt are still on the slate as well, so a bowl looks likely. In between those games though are matchups with Ole Miss, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia, so they have a tough road ahead after this week. They can’t look ahead of this week either.