Tennessee's worst College Football Playoff nightmare could become reality

Tennessee football is 6-1 heading into the Kentucky game with all of their goals in front of them. However, Tennessee's only loss to Arkansas could cost them, even if they finish the season with only one loss. 

According to some in the national media, Tennessee's win over Alabama is less valuable than Alabama's loss to Tennessee. For this reason, some are considering Alabama over Tennessee in the 12-team College Football Playoff. 

At this point in the season, a 10-2 Alabama could have a better chance of making the CFP than a 10-2 Tennessee despite the Vols' head-to-head win over the Crimson Tide. 

ESPN has placed Tennessee at No. 12 in its updated CFP projections, with no room to spare a slip-up in the final stretch of the season. CBS Sports ousted Tennessee entirely in its CFP prediction, with Alabama at No. 10. 

Alabama making the CFP over Tennessee would be a total joke

ESPN's Heather Dinich claimed Tennessee's drop to No. 12 in the CFP rankings was due to " Tennessee's shown vulnerabilities, particularly on offense and with turnovers and penalties against [Alabama]. The Vols also needed overtime to beat an average-at-best Florida team."

That is true. They have shown vulnerabilities. Alabama has shown vulnerabilities. So many vulnerabilities they gained three total yards in its final four offensive drives against Tennessee and lost to the Vols. 

Ohio State has shown vulnerabilities, Georgia has shown vulnerabilities, Notre Dame has shown vulnerabilities, Texas A&M has shown vulnerabilities, Clemson has shown vulnerabilities, and Texas has shown vulnerabilities. 

I'm not saying Tennessee is better than all or any of those teams, but I'd be willing to bet almost all of those teams would earn an at-large bid if they don't win their conference championship. 

The thought process that places Alabama over Tennessee is inherently flawed but that won't stop the Alabama bias continuing throughout November.

All of this can be solved by Tennessee winning out, starting with Kentucky on Saturday night. The Vols' biggest remaining hurdle is Georgia. The Vols and Bulldogs meet on November 16, and it might determine Tennessee's fate in the CFP.