Tennessee football can still make CFP: How Vols can be assured a spot

7. Alabama loses to Auburn

We now move to teams ahead of Tennessee football. This one is tricky, as a selling point for the Vols is the fact that they beat the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, the College Football Playoff has Alabama ahead of them at No. 7. It makes sense, as Alabama lost at UT in the last second, and their other loss is in overtime at the LSU Tigers.

As a result, while it’s a double-edged sword, the Vols need Alabama eliminated more than they need their quality win sold. That double edge, though, to be fair, is the reason Alabama losing is the least important outcome among all the teams ahead of UT. That’s because UT could still have a case if Alabama wins.

It’s also down here, though, because it’s among the least likely outcomes. Alabama is facing the Auburn Tigers at home, and out of the blue, they now have an outside shot to get back into the playoff. As a result, they are probably going to play a lot harder than they otherwise would have.

Add in Auburn’s distraction with the Lane Kiffin rumors, and they could be in trouble. Oh, and the game is at Alabama. Now, Auburn does have a chance. Playing hard for Cadillac Williams and Alabama potentially not having the right mentality about this game could throw things for a loop.