In a recent discussion about the College Football Playoff, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum took a stand for Tennessee, asserting that they are indeed a worthy team, despite their recent blowout loss to Ohio State. This has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike, especially given the contrasting performances of other teams like Indiana and SMU, who also faced tough losses against Notre Dame and Penn State.
Tennessee vs. Indiana and SMU
While Indiana and SMU struggled to make a mark in their respective games, Tennessee’s defeat at the hands of the Buckeyes was particularly jarring. Finebaum was quick to label Indiana and SMU as “frauds” in the playoff discussion, but he defended the Volunteers’ inclusion. What sets Tennessee apart from these teams? Finebaum pointed out that Tennessee managed to secure a significant victory over Alabama, a team that was ranked in the top five at the time.
Finebaum on Tennessee’s Worthiness
“I’m not apologizing for Tennessee being in. They didn’t have a lot of great wins, but they did beat Alabama,” Finebaum stated on The Matt Barrie Show. He emphasized the importance of that win, suggesting that it gives Tennessee a leg up over teams like Indiana and SMU, who lack similar quality victories. “If not Tennessee, then who else?” he challenged, underscoring the Volunteers’ unique position in the playoff race.
Tennessee’s Playoff Credentials
Tennessee entered the playoff conversation with a record of 10 wins, bolstered by that crucial victory against Alabama. However, it’s worth noting that Indiana, with an 11-1 record, also made it to the playoff, dominating many of their opponents along the way. The question remains: does a single quality win outweigh a more consistent overall performance? Finebaum seems to think it does, as he highlighted the Volunteers’ significant win as a key factor in their playoff eligibility.
SMU and the ACC Championship
On the other hand, SMU faced scrutiny for their performance in the ACC Championship Game. Despite losing, they were not penalized by the committee, which had previously indicated that a 13th game could affect a team’s standing. This raises further questions about the criteria used to determine playoff eligibility. Is it fair to overlook a loss in a championship game while emphasizing a single win over a top-ranked opponent?
Tennessee’s Game Performance
Despite Finebaum’s defense, Tennessee’s performance against Ohio State left much to be desired. The Volunteers came out flat, failing to execute their game plan effectively. Head coach Josh Heupel reflected on the game, stating, “The performance tonight doesn’t change my viewpoint of what they did on the practice field and in their preparation.” He acknowledged that they struggled in one-on-one situations and at the line of scrimmage, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.
Heupel continued, “At the end of the day, a couple of busts created big plays for Ohio State, and they were on the right side of the scoreboard.” This candid assessment highlights the challenges Tennessee faced and raises questions about their readiness for the playoff stage.
Fans’ Reaction and Expectations
As the playoff discussion continues, Tennessee fans have been vocal about their expectations. Finebaum noted that he heard from numerous Tennessee supporters who seemed more focused on the idea of “invading” than on the actual game performance. “All they wanted to talk about was the atmosphere rather than the game itself,” he remarked, hinting at a disconnect between fan enthusiasm and on-field results.
The Road Ahead for Tennessee
Looking ahead, Tennessee must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deeper playoff run. The Volunteers have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but consistency will be key. With Finebaum defending their inclusion in the playoff, it’s clear that the narrative surrounding Tennessee is far from over. Will they rise to the occasion and prove their worth, or will they falter under the pressure? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: college football fans will be watching closely.
