I think we backed right into the playoffs..

[Herman Hickman]

We have played ourselves into consideration. Barring an epic Ohio State-Michigan matchup, the kind allowing the B1G to sell two teams in who have already played, we are going to make it.

Just being in a playoff is of exponential value. Instant credibility for Tennessee with recruits and transfers. A 4-5 year process, once a given considering what Squidbilly left to us, becomes transformed within a special season.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Need TCU to lose to be sure of getting in. A 1 loss ACC or PAC winner would/could jump us for the OSU-Mich loser spot. A TCU loss would open up 2 spots and we get one.

 

[keepitreal2022]

Again, you're 100% ignoring the two factors that are stated heavyweights for the playoff selection committee. Whenever these questions come up, those two have been the big-time determinant of who gets in.

Go look at the SOR and SOS for the top 10 teams. Come back and make the ACC, PAC, or 2-loss LSU argument when you've got a little more research done. The "early season" "late season" stuff is media drivel and hasn't been considered that heavily for at least the last few years. Don't just eat up what you're shoveled.

But what you all are failing to recognize is that, yes, we beat ranked opponents but they all have a minimum of 2 losses now. Also, when we played the #1 team we got our butts handed to us. It's not like we were competitive during that game and lost on their home field. If we had only been competitive, then I could agree with the committee being forced to jump us over a 1 loss Conference champion. The wins over LSU/Alabama do not look too good now. LSU barely beat Arkansas.

It took us beating 4-5 rank teams before we even jumped into the top 5... that says a lot about how people view our program. To make matter worse, when we had an opportunity to cement our standings in the CFP, we go and get the snot beat out of us.

I hope I'm wrong, but I have a gut feeling we are in trouble if we're up against a 1 loss conference champion (excluding ACC). The ACC has NO chance.

 

[ptgrbn]

There is no way that we're being jumped by Clemson or USC if we win out, given our strength of schedule, unless the committee just decides to screw us. That could happen--but it shouldn't.

USC has a hard road to the end of the year. Each team left on their schedule is capable of beating them. I think the committee has already demonstrated what they think of Clemson and the ACC. That loss to ND was a season killer no matter what happens going forward

 

[vfljustin]

I would use a different term then backing in if you go 11-1 with the schedule we've played you've earned your spot. Only loss to defending national champs who are ranked number one. Two wins again top ten teams. Show me another resume like that. Also played 6 teams who were ranked at the time we played them. Nobody's schedule compares. This team and group of seniors will be remembered at the group who finally brought the program back and will forever have a special place in vol history.

 

[Yanks24]

It’s delusional to think an undefeated tcu and a 12-1 usc won’t get in over us.

 

[keepitreal2022]

According to ESPN and other so-called experts as of this morning, we have the highest % chance of making the playoffs after GA, OSU, and Mich. The fact they list TN with a 26% chance better than TCU of making the playoffs is a positive for us. In all likelihood, if TN wins their last 2 they will be in the playoff as the #3 or #4 seed.

Interactive: Create a path to the College Football Playoff for top contenders

Go VOLS!!!!

That's because the championship game has not been played. That rankings is based on if the season ended today

 

[keepitreal2022]

I think they really want conference champions in the playoff.
Here’s my take on the priority for the four spots…
SEC Champ (UGA/LSU)
Big 10 Champ (OSU/UM)
Undefeated TCU
1 loss UGA (if they lose in SECCG)
1 loss PAC 12 champ USC
1 loss ACC champ Clemson
UT vs OSU/UM loser???

I agree with you except Clemson. NO WAY Clemson gets in over us. NO WaY

 

[keepitreal2022]

We have played ourselves into consideration. Barring an epic Ohio State-Michigan matchup, the kind allowing the B1G to sell two teams in who have already played, we are going to make it.

Just being in a playoff is of exponential value. Instant credibility for Tennessee with recruits and transfers. A 4-5 year process, once a given considering what Squidbilly left to us, becomes transformed within a special season.

It would be amazing for us. We just have to keep playing but I'm being realistic. I was devastated when we lost against UGA. I tried to tell everyone about their receiving core, but no one listened and dismissed their team. I'm not getting my hopes up anymore. The committee is all about money and viewership. I don't think they will choose us over USC or Mich/OSU- no way. However, if TCU is a 1-loss conference champion then we will get that 4th slot but we MUST hope USC falter over the next 3 weeks and the OSU/Mich. is a blowout game. Honestly, that's our only hope.

 

[ButchPlz]

But what you all are failing to recognize is that, yes, we beat ranked opponents but they all have a minimum of 2 losses now. Also, when we played the #1 team we got our butts handed to us. It's not like we were competitive during that game and lost on their home field. If we had only been competitive, then I could agree with the committee being forced to jump us over a 1 loss Conference champion. The wins over LSU/Alabama do not look too good now. LSU barely beat Arkansas.

It took us beating 4-5 rank teams before we even jumped into the top 5... that says a lot about how people view our program. To make matter worse, when we had an opportunity to cement our standings in the CFP, we go and get the snot beat out of us.

I hope I'm wrong, but I have a gut feeling we are in trouble if we're up against a 1 loss conference champion (excluding ACC). The ACC has NO chance.

SOS and SOR aren't what you think they are. They're computer rankings that factor in multiple things, not what some random person thinks we look like.

Take five dang minutes to do some research on where we stand in those calculations.

 

[Pride85]

Why do I have this sneaky feeling that if we don't make the playoff there will be those on here that will say this was a disappointing year?

 

[tn4elvis]

Everyone forgetting a possible 1 loss pac12 team. Still need TCU and USC to lose. Heck, even a 1 loss ACC Champion/ Clemson could still jump as later.

With our strength of schedule I just don’t see that happening. Even thought the media is already crying for it

 

[GVol1966]

Tennessee will not get in over a 1 loss PAC or ACC champ. Still a higher probability that we miss the CFP.

I’d say we definitely get in over a 1 loss ACC team, a 1 loss USC pac 12 champion would worry me, because of favoritism.
Clemson hasn’t looked like a top 10 team

 

[Chad F]

We gotta stop some of this . . . We got beat by a Georgia. Yes, we played bad. Yes, I think the moment was just too big for our guys at the point. But Georgia handled us.

Now, a rematch will hopefully mean a different team shows up for us. I think our guys can do it. That’s a heavy task, but in Hendon we trust.

 

[wmcovol]

Playing the schedule Tennessee plays, they don’t back into anything.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

I think they really want conference champions in the playoff.
Here’s my take on the priority for the four spots…
SEC Champ (UGA/LSU)
Big 10 Champ (OSU/UM)
Undefeated TCU
1 loss UGA (if they lose in SECCG)
1 loss PAC 12 champ USC
1 loss ACC champ Clemson
UT vs OSU/UM loser???

The playoffs is supposed to be about the best 4 teams. Yes, when they go to a 12 team playoff all power 5 conference champs will be in. But with only 4 that is not what the general public wants. They want the best 4 teams and matchups. The committee has said they want the best 4 teams. They also want the matchups that will bring in fans and top revenue. The ACC doesn’t have a team top 4 worthy. If USC wins out they will have closed with 3 tough games and will be worthy. I don’t think they pull that trifecta but if they do more power to them. If Michigan loses and we win out they will not be able to stay in front of us we have a better schedule and better wins period. I do believe if Michigan beats Ohio State in a close one they would keep Ohio State in even though I think Tennessee should go in front if they win out. If Michigan beats them by 2 scores the Buckeyes might lose the spot. I think Ohio State will win. If we win out and USC wins out I think Tennessee deserves it but would not be surprised if they took USC. I do think if TCU slips up it helps get the best 4 in without much controversy. I think the odds are with Tennessee to make it in. A USC and Michigan or TCU loss almost guarantees it. If 2 of them lose 1 we are in. For the love of humanity Clemson is not getting in. North Carolina is not getting in 1 loss whatever. It’s not happening unless many lose.GBO!

 

[BowlBrother85]

Tennessee will not get in over a 1 loss PAC or ACC champ. Still a higher probability that we miss the CFP.

You might be right about the PAC 12 Champ but the current College Football Playoff rankings clearly show that you are dead wrong about the ACC Champ. Clemson is ranked below 4 SEC teams, including two SEC teams which have 2 losses a piece! Clemson is ranked 9th, while Alabama (with 2 losses) is 8th and LSU (also with 2 losses) is 7th. The ACC is obviously not well-respected by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, and Clemson did not play a tough enough out-of-conference schedule to justify getting into the CFP with 1 loss.

According to the probability percentages on ESPN right now, you are clueless about that as well.

Interactive: Create a path to the College Football Playoff for top contenders

1) Georgia ... 90%
2) Ohio State ..., 86%
3) Michigan ... 65%
4) Tennessee .. 58%
5) TCU ... 32%
6) Clemson ... 31%
7) Alabama ... 15%
8) USC ..., 8%
9) LSU ... 5%
10) Utah ... 4%

 

[BowlBrother85]

nm.

 

[BowlBrother85]

nm.

 

[JFreak]

It’s delusional to think an undefeated tcu and a 12-1 usc won’t get in over us.

No need for the hyperbole. It's far from "delusional" considering no 1-loss SEC team has ever been left out of the playoffs. A no loss TCU possibly remains ahead of us. USC jumping us seems unlikely as again there is no precedence assuming we win out.

 

[Panthro]

We need to hope OSU/Michigan isn’t a super-close overtime game.

 

[Volador]

The loser of OSU and Michigan will drop to 5 and that is our ticket no matter who else wins out...



https://y.yarn.co/5f90d7e1-c54a-48d3-bd3f-f0d770b1c7b9.mp4

If the two teams from the Big 10 play each other closely, there is a chance that neither team gets dinged.

 

[sami]

Why do I have this sneaky feeling that if we don't make the playoff there will be those on here that will say this was a disappointing year?

You know what? Everyone here understands how this team has completely blown the doors off of expectations, but playoff opportunities don't come along every season (unless you are Bama, Georgia, or OSU), and to go 11-1 with the only loss being to #1, yeah, there will naturally be huge disappointment if we are left out. Not in the team, but the fact that these opportunities don't grow on trees, and there's no guarantee how soon we'll be in this position again.

Now maybe Heupel does build this program to the point where we are in that discussion more often than not, but right now this has a chance to be an historic season where we have a legit shot at challenging for a national title. To not be disappointed at missing that chance would be insane, while at the same time being incredibly proud of what this group accomplished.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

We do NOT want Michigan beating OSU. If that committee has OSU and UT both with a single loss, I have no doubt....zero...who that committee chooses. Nope. UGA and OSU keep winning. OSU blows out Michigan. Anyone beats TCU and for good measure, someone knocks off USC. We get those wishes answered and I like our chances.

I have that fear, but why would they drop a 1 getting beat by a 3 to the 5 spot and a 2 getting beat by a three only to the 4 spot? They have got to know that question would be coming, followed by who has the best SOS, and who has the best loss per the final rankings. I have feared some reference to the ever pending NCAA Pruitt issues. I know they VALUE conference championships but LSU will have twice as many losses and our head to head victory at their place by 27 would be hard to defend too, even though they would have two really good wins. Guess they could play the late trend card.

 

[BowlBrother85]

Tennessee needs 4 games to turn out a certain way :

1) Tennessee beats South Carolina
2) Tennessee beats Vanderbilt
3) UCLA beats USC (UCLA is at home) * ... or Notre Dame beats USC
4) Baylor beats TCU (Baylor is at home)

^^^ This is all very much within the realm of possibility. ^^^

* Clemson will not get into the College Football Playoff before Tennessee, unless we lose again. Clemson is currently behind 4 SEC teams in the College Football Playoff Rankings, including Alabama and LSU, who both have two losses.