Tennessee football falls after not playing in Week 5 SEC Power Rankings

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) congratulates Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) on his touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02243
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) congratulates Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) on his touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02243 /
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Oct 1, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) scores against Missouri Tigers defensive back Jaylon Carlies (1) and linebacker Dameon Wilson (10) during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) scores against Missouri Tigers defensive back Jaylon Carlies (1) and linebacker Dameon Wilson (10) during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

5-0 (2-0). Previous: . Bulldogs . 4. team. 814.

Defeated Missouri Tigers 26-22

One week is a fluke. Two suggests something is wrong. The Georgia Bulldogs aren’t the same team that blew out the Oregon Ducks to open the season. Sure, that’s a quality win, and they have two Power Five wins by beating South Carolina, but struggling with the Kent State Golden Flashes and a bad Mizzou team is inexcusable.

Make no mistake, UGA was a bad call away from being out of the top half of our SEC Power Rankings. If not for a missed false start on their fourth down conversion late when trailing late, they easily could have lost. That would have been embarrassing, and as of now, they are playing the worst among undefeated teams in the league.

There are clear issues with the offense that could get exposed down the stretch. The good news? This team is still undefeated and defending national champions, so even if they drop to No. 2 in both polls and to No. 4 in our power rankings, they haven’t lost out on any of their goals.

A seemingly easy schedule is not so easy anymore either. Up next are visits from Auburn and Vanderbilt, which should be wins. The comes a bye. After that, though, they face Florida on a neutral field, host Tennessee football, visit Mississippi State and visit Kentucky. That looks like a tough stretch, but they now can’t even look ahead of Auburn.