Tennessee Football: Vols Move Into AP Top 20, Bye Week Recap, more

Tennessee football had a much-needed bye this past weekend and looks forward as they take on Texas A&M in just a few short days. 

The Volunteers are currently sitting at 4-1 and 5th place in the SEC East. The one loss that Tennessee Football has against Florida is continuing to come back to bite them, and it really doesn’t help that the Gators look like a JV high school team every Saturday.

It’s hard to look at that embarrassing loss and want to put the Vols anywhere near the top 10, but nonetheless, the AP polls gave Tennessee Football some respect this weekend, despite it being a bye week.

Tennessee Football Moves Into AP Top 20

In last week’s AP Poll, the Vols moved from 21 to 22, which was really strange considering the Vols destroyed South Carolina and were looking unstoppable. Now, after a week off, they have moved up 3 spots and are within the top 20 sitting at 19. This happened mainly due to the fact that Missouri, Kentucky, Washington State, Notre Dame, and a few other big names lost this week.

This upcoming weekend, the Vols play against Texas A&M in what feels like a must-win to keep their playoff hopes alive. I have a strong feeling that a win against a strong A&M team will almost certainly put the Vols into the top 15 heading into Bama week.

Tennessee Football’s Bye Week Recap

Tennessee football took advantage of a much-needed bye week to address their growing list of injured players. Quarterback Joe Milton, nursing a banged-up knee, welcomed the week off to focus on recovery. Likewise, starting center Cooper Mays, who had been battling an injury for a significant portion of the season, returned to the field against South Carolina and will now benefit from some extra rest.

But it’s not all good news. The Vols are grappling with a major loss in Bru McCoy, their star receiver who got hurt during the South Carolina game. Figuring out how to fill that void is a big concern. This bye week isn’t just about recuperating; it’s also about prepping for their upcoming showdown against Texas A&M. Timing is everything, and as Cooper Mays opened up in the Vol report, they’re not just looking to heal but also to get their conditioning up to where it needs to be.

Dont’e Thornton is making a comeback after suffering an injury in practice ahead of the South Carolina game. Hopefully, he can shake off the rust and get back into the groove because he’s been having a tough time lately. Jeremiah Crawford, a key player on the offensive line, is hopefully going to be back in action for the Texas A&M game after missing the South Carolina match.

As if things weren’t challenging enough, the Vols have a tough schedule ahead. They’re gearing up to face Texas A&M, and the road doesn’t get any smoother after that. They’ve got Missouri, Kentucky, and Georgia on the horizon, and trust me, those teams are no joke. The Vols are going to need all the rest and recuperation they can get to face the storm that’s coming their way.

Amidst all the hurdles and setbacks, there’s a real sense of optimism in the Tennessee Vols camp. That bye week wasn’t just about patching up injuries; it was about boosting team spirit and determination. They’ve been through the wringer, but as they look ahead to their challenging schedule, there’s a strong belief that they can rise to the occasion. With fresh energy, well-rested bodies, and a united front, the Vols are gearing up to tackle adversity head-on. They’re excited to show what they’re made of in the battles that lie ahead. They say tough times reveal true character, and the Tennessee Vols are ready to meet the challenges with enthusiasm and grit.

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