Tennessee Volunteers fans are buzzing after ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy made a compelling case for the team’s inclusion in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Vols, now 8-2 following a tough 31-17 loss to Georgia, remain in contention but no longer control their playoff destiny, relying on favorable outcomes in other key matchups and the committee’s discretion.
McElroy highlighted Tennessee’s potential to be a “problem” for opponents if they secure a playoff spot, citing quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s promising second-half performance against Georgia, a dominant defense, and a strong run game. “Tennessee could be a problem,” McElroy stated, emphasizing the team’s ability to peak at the right time.
The CFP committee faces a challenging decision as multiple two-loss SEC teams—Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss—vie for a limited number of playoff spots. McElroy argued for prioritizing teams playing their best football late in the season over those with smoother early schedules.
With one of the nation’s top wins (against Alabama) and losses in notoriously difficult environments, the Vols present a strong case. Will the committee recognize Tennessee’s potential and include them among the elite 12? Stay tuned.
The debate over Tennessee’s playoff inclusion sheds light on broader issues with the College Football Playoff system. While the Vols’ resume features a marquee win over Alabama and losses that came in grueling night games on the road, the playoff committee’s tendency to weigh overall records heavily could put them at a disadvantage.
Greg McElroy’s remarks suggest that Tennessee’s recent performances—combined with emerging talent at quarterback and a balanced approach on both sides of the ball—make them one of the nation’s most dangerous teams. “It’s about which teams are peaking at the right time, not just who had the cleanest September,” McElroy added, reinforcing the importance of late-season momentum in assessing playoff contenders.
Despite their loss to Georgia, Tennessee’s defense has shown flashes of dominance, while Iamaleava’s development at quarterback continues to inspire confidence for the Vols’ future. Their offensive strategy, built around a potent rushing attack, has also made them a formidable opponent. These factors could elevate Tennessee as a legitimate playoff threat if given the opportunity to compete.
However, the Vols’ fate now hinges not only on the CFP committee’s subjective judgment but also on outcomes elsewhere in college football. Upsets in games like Ole Miss vs. Florida or Ohio State vs. Indiana could shift the playoff picture and boost Tennessee’s chances. Additionally, the committee’s evaluation of strength of schedule and the context of Tennessee’s losses will play a crucial role.
As the playoff selection process unfolds, McElroy’s comments may amplify the conversation about Tennessee’s qualifications. Vols fans, players, and coaches are left to hope that the committee values the team’s upward trajectory, resilience, and ability to challenge any opponent. Whether the Vols ultimately earn a spot will depend on the alignment of external results, media influence, and the subjective criteria employed by the playoff decision-makers.
For Tennessee, the focus will remain on finishing the regular season strong and proving they deserve a chance to compete for a national title. Should they make the cut, the Vols could well justify McElroy’s assertion and become the surprise team no contender wants to face.
