The early noon games could not have gone more perfect for the Vols. While they were handling their business, blowing out the UTEP Miners 56-0 despite a slow start, they were getting exactly the help they needed to get back into the College Football Playoff race. Two games were as big as theirs, and both broke their way.
UT entered Saturday No. 11 in the CFP rankings. However, due to auto bids, they were really No. 13, the first team out. The Ole Miss Rebels, who also had two losses, were ahead of them, and the Indiana Hoosiers were undefeated and No. 5 despite just one win over a team with a winning record.
Since the Ohio State Buckeyes were set to be the first team with a pulse to face Indiana all year Saturday, if they won in a blowout, conventional wisdom would likely push them ahead of the Vols. If the Florida Gators beat Ole Miss, UT would be clear-cut ahead of them. There would be no debate.
Both happened.
Ohio State pulled away from Indiana pretty easily despite allowing a touchdown early. They ended up winning 38-15 in a game that could have been 55-7 if they really wanted it to be, giving the Vols a chance to jockey for position over Indiana and make their case.
As that became clear, though, the Ole Miss game unfolded. Florida ended up winning 24-17, as Jaxson Dart threw two interceptions late in the game on back to back drives. In a much more significant game that directly impacts Tennessee, Ole Miss fell.
Now, the key for the Vols to make the CFP is simple: Beat the Vanderbilt Commodores next week. They are at least the last time in and should actually move up ahead of Indiana, and truth be told, more is now on the table for them outside of just getting in.
There’s a chance the Vols could host a playoff game. After all, Florida beating Ole Miss means another quality win for the Vols, as they are now 6-5 with wins over the Rebels and LSU Tigers. UT can hang its hat on beating Billy Napier’s team.
Once they get to that No. 9 spot, or the 11-seed, just a couple of things have to happen to push them to the 8-seed. Of course, maybe they prefer the 11-seed and playing on the road to get an easy second round matchup. Either way, positioning in the CFP is now as relevant as going, which is a huge win for UT.
