Tennessee’s 45-34 loss at Vanderbilt on Saturday was enough to knock Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC) back, but not out of the updated College Football Rankings, which were released on Tuesday evening.
The Vols checked in at No. 22 in the updated rankings, falling back five spots after coming in at No. 17 last week.
Fifth Rankings: The #CFBPlayoff Selection Committee Top 25 for games played through November 26. pic.twitter.com/tSlBNBS48K
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) November 30, 2016
Tennessee is fifth among SEC teams after being jumped by LSU (7-4, 5-3 SEC), who beat Texas A&M 54-39 last Thursday evening. Auburn fell just one spot from No. 13 to No. 14 after losing to Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Florida stayed at No. 15 despite its loss to Florida State last week.
With Alabama all but assured a spot in the playoffs, the Sugar Bowl will take the SEC team that is highest in the final rankings. Realistically, that will likely be Auburn or Florida, depending on the Gators’ performance against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Florida could also clinch a spot in the Sugar Bowl with an upset victory over the Tide.
The final rankings come out next Saturday, Dec. 4.
