Tennessee basketball falters out of AP Top 25 while a rival moves in

The Tennessee basketball team had an up-and-down week. They beat Ole Miss last Tuesday, 84-66, after dominating the Rebels in the second half, extending Tennessee's win streak to four straight games. Then, Tennessee traveled to Rupp Arena to take on rival Kentucky, but the game quickly veered off course as Tennessee blew a 14-point halftime lead, letting the Wildcats once again come back on them from being down double-digits.

However, this time Rick Barnes noted that it was different than the last time it happened and that Tennessee just needed to hit a few more shots. Unlike the last meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee’s loss this time wasn’t about effort, as they left everything on the floor.

That defeat hits a bit harder with the latest AP Top 25 poll out. Tennessee, which was ranked No. 25 last week, has now dropped out of the poll, and Kentucky has claimed its spot at No. 25.

A bounce back week is needed for Tennessee basketball

The good news is that Tennessee plays a relatively easy schedule this week. No game is easy in the SEC, but the Vols have the luxury of playing two of the weakest teams in the conference this week.

On Wednesday, Tennessee heads down to play Mississippi State, which is 1-7 in its last eight games, with its only win coming against LSU in that stretch. The Bulldogs play good defense and rebound hard. No road game is easy, so the Vols can't take it lightly, or they will get upset.

On Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, the Vols will host LSU, which is currently 2-8 in SEC play. LSU likes to offensive rebound and score at the basket. However, they do struggle with giving up defensive rebounds and allowing second-chance points, so Tennessee will need to be on its game when it comes to rebounding on both ends.

After the rough week its time for Barnes to get the Vols back on track. If Tennessee does go 2-0 this week, as they should, I see no reason why they won't be back in the polls next Monday.