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

By Caleb Calhoun

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; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Rufus Harvey (82) reacts with quarterback Will Rogers (2) and wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin (5) after a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Rufus Harvey (82) reacts with quarterback Will Rogers (2) and wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin (5) after a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

7. team. 893. . 4-1 (1-1). Previous: . Bulldogs

Defeated Texas A&M Aggies 42-24

It’s not about what Mike Leach and Mississippi State did. They weren’t able to rise in our SEC Power Rankings because of what everybody else did. MSU does deserve credit for two Power Five wins, but we can’t move them above the team that just recently beat them and has the same record, and we can’t move them above any of the undefeated teams.

As a result, they’re stuck at No. 7. However, they don’t need our power rankings to feel good about where they are. Even if it was against an overrated Texas A&M team, they flat-out dominated, and that’s something to celebrate. Their Group of Five win over the Memphis Tigers looks more impressive by the day as well.

Say what you want, but Mississippi State still has everything to play for. They belong in the top 25, and the offense is humming along. There’s no shame in a trip to Death Valley being your only loss. Tennessee football has to deal with that trip this week, and it could be dangerous.

Anyway, MSU will have chances to move up this week, as they host Arkansas. Combine that with Tennessee football and LSU facing off, and they’re bound to move up at least one spot with a win. After Arkansas, though, it doesn’t get any easier, as they visit Kentucky and Alabama over the next two weeks. That makes winning this game crucial.

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