How the AP Top 25 poll did the Tennessee Vols a big favor
The 2022 preseason AP Top 25 poll was released on Monday afternoon and it didn't include the Tennessee Vols. Tennessee is essentially ranked No. 26 in the preseason poll as they received the most votes (180) of any non top 25 program. Six SEC teams were included in the top 25. Some Vols fans might […]
The 2022 preseason AP Top 25 poll was released on Monday afternoon and it didn't include the Tennessee Vols.
Tennessee is essentially ranked No. 26 in the preseason poll as they received the most votes (180) of any non top 25 program.
Six SEC teams were included in the top 25.
Some Vols fans might view this as a slight at Tennessee, but I don't think that's the case at all.
Remember, the Vols finished 7-6 last season and so did South Carolina.
The voters, however, view the two programs very differently. Tennessee received 180 votes while the Gamecocks received just two votes. While the Vols aren't a top 25 team, they're right there in that group according to the voters.
Tennessee Vols fans should be happy to be left out of preseason top 25
Tennessee fans should be thrilled to be just on the outside of the top 25.
We've seen the Vols receive hype via an inflated preseason ranking only to crash and burn during the regular season several times in the past.
The Vols are much better off playing with a chip on their shoulder to start the season. They still have a lot to prove. And there are no shortcuts to success. No one needs to crown this team just yet.
Teams play better when they have something to prove. That's why Nick Saban is constantly trying to convince the media that Alabama isn't as good as the internet says they are. It's a motivation tactic for his team.
Tennessee wants to be ranked in the top 25 at the end of the season, not in August when it doesn't matter. If the Vols handle business against Ball State in the season-opener, they'll quickly enter the top 25. Tennessee can then spend the rest of the season trying to convince voters, via their play, that they should be a top 10 team.
I know there are a lot of folks out there that think motivation is overrated, but I absolutely think it can be one of the biggest ingredients to a successful team.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
