College Football Playoff Rankings 2022: Projected Top 25 for Week 14

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 45-23 over the Ohio State Buckeyes and clinched the Big Ten East Title. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) celebrates his touchdown against Vanderbilt during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.Ncaa Football Tennessee Volunteers At Vanderbilt Commodores /

A week ago, I was ready to say Tennessee shouldn’t sniff the top 10 for the rest of the season after losing by four scores to South Carolina, but the Volunteers rebounded big-time even without Hendon Hooker and the Gamecocks continued to impress, upsetting Clemson on the road.

Tennessee went to Nashville and picked up a 56-0 blowout win over Vanderbilt which was the perfect way to end a successful regular season. Sure, Josh Heupel wishes he was playing for a national title, but the Volunteers aren’t far off from contending for goal yearly.

Joe Milton didn’t need to do much in relief of Hooker who was injured last week and is ruled out for the year, passing for 147 yards and a touchdown as the run game carried the load with 362 yards and six touchdowns on 31 carries. Unreal numbers on the ground. Oh, and the defense was dominant.

Tennessee should be slotted in right behind Alabama at No. 7, but there is an argument to be made for the Vols to be No. 6.

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