Tennessee Vols missed out on an incredible feat
The Tennessee Vols just narrowly missed out on an incredible feat this week. Tennessee basketball's 46-43 win over Auburn on Saturday combined with Purdue's loss to Indiana could've lifted the Vols to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 this week. UT's surprising loss to the Florida Gators in Gainesville earlier in the week, however, […]
The Tennessee Vols just narrowly missed out on an incredible feat this week.
Tennessee basketball's 46-43 win over Auburn on Saturday combined with Purdue's loss to Indiana could've lifted the Vols to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 this week.
UT's surprising loss to the Florida Gators in Gainesville earlier in the week, however, means that Tennessee won't be the No. 1 team in the nation this week.
And that's unfortunate for the Vols.
If Tennessee basketball would've ascended to No. 1 in the nation this week, it would've been the first time in program history that the Vols would've had a No. 1 football team, No. 1 baseball team, and No. 1 basketball team within a year of each other.
Tennessee baseball went to No. 1 in the country in late March 2022. They stayed there throughout April and May.
The Vols' football team was No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings for one week this past season (the week before the Georgia game).
Tennessee basketball has only reached No. 1 on two occasions. They went to No. 1 for one week in 2008 under Bruce Pearl and they were No. 1 for four weeks in 2019 under Rick Barnes.
The Vols could still have another chance to get to No. 1 this season, but it won't be easy.
If Tennessee wins their next five games — which would include a win at home against Alabama and a road win against Kentucky — they could have a shot at being No. 1 on February 20. But they might still need some help to get there.
It's a tall task, but the Vols still have a shot at making some history.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
