SEC power ranking shakeup after week 8: Contenders emerging and pretenders exposed

Texas A&M football's prospects at claiming the SEC crown continue to rise, but Georgia is top dog in this week's SEC power rankings.

Georgia celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Power ranking the SEC after week 8: #3 - Tennessee

Through all the struggles, the Volunteers are still sitting in a prime position to make the 12-team field—and depending on their result against Georgia, they are possibly in the driver’s seat to make it to Atlanta.

It’s not on the strength of their offense, however. Heupel’s touted scheme and quarterback have not yielded much yet this year against real competition, though there have been flashes.

No, it’s the defense that has set the Vols apart so far this year. This performance against Alabama was probably their most impressive of the year, and last week’s showing against Florida looks like it will age well.

If not for that chilly night in Fayetteville, this would be a team with a legitimate claim to the top ranking in the nation right now. As things stand, they could still get there if they end up vanquishing the Bulldogs—who certainly still seem more beatable than they have in years past.

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