Tennessee Vols land higher than projected in first College Football Playoff rankings

The first College Football Playoff rankings of the year are out. Leading up to things, Tennessee Volunteers fans were hopeful that the CFP committee would get things right and place Josh Heupel and Co. where they deserved to be.

As it turns out, that proved to be the case. The latest projection had Josh Heupel and Co. checking in at No. 10 in the country, which would have been a nightmare. However, that's now where things are at now.

Moments ago, it was announced that the Vols are the No. 7 team in the committee's eyes. With Indiana at No. 8, a potential first-round matchup vs. the Hoosiers at Neyland Stadium could be on the way.

Tennessee Vols check in at No. 7 in the first College Football Playoff rankings

Again, this is a bit of a pleasant surprise for the Vols. A quick look on social media shows that fans are thrilled that Tennessee is No. 10. There was buzz that maybe Notre Dame would have been placed higher than them, but we're glad they're the ones at No. 10.

The Fighting Irish suffered a home loss to Northern Illinois, which is something that needs to be kept in mind for the rest of the season. As for Tennessee, it sits at No. 7 behind Oregon, Georgia, Miami, BYU, Ohio State and Texas.

There were plenty of surprises for these initial rankings, including Tennessee at No. 7. Come this weekend, the Vols will host Mississippi State for Homecoming Weekend. Then, Heupel and Co. will make their way to Athens for a huge road showdown against Georgia.

Tennessee is most certainly not going to look past MSU, but at the same time, plenty of people can't wait for that upcoming showdown against the Bulldogs. There will be CFP implications on the line in that one. For now, though, the Vols sit at No. 7 in the land and that's a great spot to be in.