Once dinged for winning with style points via one-sided victories, Tennessee is now seemingly being penalized for winning with an elite defense. The Vols fell one spot in the Coaches’ Poll despite beating the Florida Gators 23-17 in overtime on Saturday in Neyland Stadium.
The Vols are now ranked No. 10 in the Coaches’ Poll, which carries practically no weight whatsoever any longer, after being ranked No. 9 last week. Despite winning, the Vols fell behind LSU and Clemson, but jumped ahead of Ole Miss. LSU beat Ole Miss, which was formerly No. 7, 29-27 on Saturday in Baton Rogue. LSU jumped the Vols and are currently No. 8 in the updated Coaches’ Poll.
The Vols were also leapfrogged by Clemson, who beat Wake Forest 49-14 on Saturday. LSU and Clemson are both 5-1 just like Tennessee. Ole Miss, which is now 5-2, dropped to No. 15 in the Coaches’ Poll.
The only rating that truly matters any longer is the College Football Playoff Committee ranking, which will release its rankings on Nov. 5. The Vols have a chance to improve their standing in all polls this week as Tennessee is set to take on No. 7 Alabama in Neyland Stadium on Saturday. The Vols are currently considered a 1 1/2-point underdogs to the Crimson Tide.
