This used to be the week after. You know what I mean. this was the time for lamenting a Tennessee football loss. Well, this isn’t that same kind of week for the Vols coming off a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.

No longer should everyone ask, “Can the Vols still win a championship?”

That isn’t the case anymore. Let me answer the question, “Tennessee can, indeed, win a championship.” Why do I say that so definitively? The loss to Georgia showed me all I need to see to determine that these Vols are championship worthy.

Now, Tennessee isn’t perfect. Far from it. There were questionable coaching decisions that could keep the Vols from a championship ring.

On-the-field, linebacker play wasn’t great, but those can all be overcome, especially with a 12-team playoff in place set to begin in December. No, I’m not guaranteeing Tennessee football wins a championship or even makes the playoffs, but I’m certain they’re good enough to qualify.

A loss in this day and age does not define you. Look at Ohio State’s national championship run last season. They lost two games – to Oregon and Michigan on the final day of the regular season. Still, they made the playoffs and made history.

Perhaps I’m putting too much stock in one game, a 44-41 loss to Georgia on Saturday, but I believe both teams can reach the College Football Playoff. I feel more certain about the Bulldogs making the playoffs just because they beat another playoff-worthy opponent in the Vols.

Tennessee has plenty of work to do. They have to win their fair share of games. They can probably lose one more, but don’t tempt fate in that regard. However, if the College Football Playoff began today, Tennessee would belong. It has been a long time since that statement was made.