It wouldn’t be a College Football Playoff race without controversy, and this year, the spotlight is shining brightly on Tennessee. After a tough 31-17 loss to Georgia in Week 12, the Volunteers find themselves in a precarious position. As the third set of College Football Playoff rankings approaches, Tennessee is poised to be the odd SEC team left out. With five two-loss teams in the mix, including Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, the Vols are facing an uphill battle.
Tennessee’s case for inclusion is compelling. They hold a significant victory over Alabama, which could bolster their argument. However, Texas A&M’s non-conference loss to Notre Dame and Ole Miss’s defeat to Kentucky complicate matters. The Vols didn’t have to face Georgia and Alabama, but will those justifications be enough to push them into the 12-team playoff field?
The reality is that a blowout victory against Vanderbilt could ignite a head-to-head debate with Alabama in the final weeks. Yet, the committee’s focus will likely remain on Alabama’s win over Georgia, overshadowing Tennessee’s achievements. Additionally, Tennessee is at a disadvantage in the quirky tie-breakers that could ultimately decide the crowded SEC championship race.
Best-case scenarios for Tennessee
The ACC and Big 12 are essentially one-bid leagues, leaving Tennessee with limited options for help. What can the Vols do in the next three weeks to enhance their playoff hopes? Here are two best-case scenarios:
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Notre Dame suffers a second loss: If the Irish were to lose to either Army or USC, it would eliminate them from contention and open the door for a fifth SEC team to enter the playoff discussion.
- Ohio State dominates Indiana: If Ohio State delivers a blowout against Indiana in Week 13, Tennessee could leverage the strength-of-schedule argument to push Indiana out of the rankings. With Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State likely securing their spots, the Vols could make a case against the Hoosiers.
Tennessee’s position in this playoff race is shaping up to be a hot topic, reminiscent of the Florida State debate from 2023. Buckle up, because the controversy is just beginning.
Projected College Football Playoff first-round matchups
As we head into Week 13, let’s take a look at the projected first-round matchups for the College Football Playoff:
No. 12 Boise State (9-1, Mountain West champion) at No. 5 Ohio State (9-1, Big Ten at-large)
The Buckeyes are gearing up for a showdown with Indiana after a solid 31-7 victory against Northwestern. Boise State, on the other hand, came back from a 14-0 deficit to win 42-21 against San Jose State, showcasing their resilience.
No. 11 Georgia (8-2, SEC at-large) at No. 6 Penn State (9-1, Big Ten at-large)
This matchup promises to be a classic SEC-Big Ten clash. Georgia’s head-to-head losses to Alabama and Ole Miss complicate their standing, but they remain a formidable opponent. Penn State is riding high after a decisive 49-10 win over Purdue, with Drew Allar leading the charge.
No. 10 Ole Miss (8-2, SEC at-large) at No. 7 Indiana (10-0, Big Ten at-large)
Another intriguing SEC-Big Ten matchup, Ole Miss is looking to rebound after a bye week. Indiana, with a new contract extension for coach Curt Cignetti, is eager to prove they can compete at the highest level.
No. 9 Alabama (8-2, SEC at-large) at No. 8 Notre Dame (9-1, Independent at-large)
Imagine the atmosphere in South Bend for this matchup! Alabama is maintaining its at-large spot after a dominant win over Mercer, while Notre Dame is preparing for a crucial showdown against unbeaten Army.
Projected College Football Playoff bubble teams
As we analyze the bubble teams, Tennessee’s situation stands out. The loss to Georgia came at a critical time, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled in the second half. The road loss to Arkansas is another anchor that makes their path to the playoffs even tougher.
Texas A&M (8-2, SEC)
The Aggies are the last two-loss SEC team in the mix, tied atop the conference standings. After a bounce-back win against New Mexico State, they are gearing up for a challenging road trip to Auburn before facing Texas.
SMU (9-1, ACC)
The Mustangs are still on track for the ACC championship game, despite being left out of the playoff rankings. Kevin Jennings is having a stellar season, and a potential trap game against Virginia could shake things up.
Colorado (8-2, Big 12)
Under coach Deion Sanders, Colorado is making waves in the Big 12. After a commanding victory over Utah, they are tied for the conference lead, with Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter shining on the field.
As the playoff picture continues to evolve, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Tennessee find a way to break into the playoff conversation, or will they be left on the outside looking in? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is at its peak!
