Tier 2: CFP threats to the Vols

Here are all the teams Tennessee Football needs to root against this weekend because they are clear threats to take CFB Playoff spots from the Vols while their opponent is not. This is by far the largest crop of games on the post.

Texas Tech over Iowa State

With the Cyclones still undefeated, they are making it possible for three Big 12 teams to reach the CFP. If they lose to the Red Raiders, though, then there are potentially two losses on their schedule down the stretch. UT wants as few Big 12 teams threatening as possible.

Houston over Kansas State

Similar to the Cyclones, the one-loss Wildcats keep this race intriguing for the Big 12. If they lose to the Cougars, though, they’re likely out of it without winning the conference, so rooting for Houston is an easy call for the Vols here.

Florida over Georgia

Here’s a unique one. Tennessee Football plays both these teams, so neither hurts their strength of schedule. However, if neither team plays for the SEC Championship, the Vols and Bulldogs could be vying for a playoff spot. UGA losing could help UT regardless of what happens in the game in two weeks.

Louisville over Clemson

Speaking of conferences that could have multiple teams go, the ACC is now in that camp. As a result, Vol fans should be rooting against the Tigers, who already have one loss. If they fall again, then the path for the ACC to get two teams in is very slim unless Clemson wins the league.

Minnesota over Illinois

Big Ten play will sort itself out, but the Fighting Illini are a threat to the Vols with two losses right now. It wouldn’t hurt for them to go ahead and get knocked out of the way with a loss to the Golden Gophers at the start of November.

Penn State over Ohio State

The Buckeyes already have one loss and no quality wins. If they lose to the Nittany Lions, they could be done. However, if Ohio State wins, Penn State likely won’t lose another game, so that makes for potentially two one-loss teams from the Big Ten, eliminating neither.

Michigan over Oregon

It’s unlikely, but this rooting interest is all about possibility, and since the Wolverines are no longer a playoff threat, Vol fans should root for them to upset the Ducks. If that happens, then Oregon’s margin for error staying ahead of Tennessee Football gets real slim.

Michigan State over Indiana

If you think the Vols have had an easy schedule, the Hoosiers are arguably the most fraudulent undefeated team in the nation. Should they lose to the Spartans, their threat is effectively eliminated, as they still have to face Ohio State.

South Carolina over Texas A&M

Another SEC team that could compete with the Vols for a CFP spot, the Aggies are one of the top two teams from the league right now. UT fans should root for them to fall, and losing to the Gamecocks would do just that.

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